Chris Skepper is a staff member at The Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tewkesbury, commonly known as Tewkesbury Abbey, which holds a 900-year-old history. He has two beloved black Labradors named Eric and Florence (Flo), and he lives with his wife and daughter.
For some work-related reasons, his wife and daughter went out of town, and their stay was extended. During this period, it became difficult for Chris to take care of the dogs, as they had to stay home alone for the whole day while he was at work from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Since he loves his dogs so much, he could not leave them alone in such conditions. Therefore, he requested permission to bring the dogs to the church for a few days until his family returned home. The request was approved, and Chris brought the dogs to the church.
Managing Energetic Labradors in the Church
Family dogs are usually playful and energetic, making them difficult to manage, especially in a formal setting like a church. Labradors, however, are known as working dogs. With proper training, they can adapt to various environments and perform tasks efficiently. These two dogs were well-trained, and surprisingly, they behaved exceptionally well in the church.
The Positive Impact of Bringing the Dogs to the Church
The two Labradors were brought to the church because Chris was unable to manage both his work and taking care of them. However, what started as a temporary solution turned into something unexpectedly positive.
The presence of the two dogs created a positive and lively environment at the church. Eric and Florence (Flo) brought joy not only to the church staff but also to visitors. Many of the visitors loved interacting with these friendly dogs, and even the staff members enjoyed their company. Even people who usually did not engage with others had a beautiful smile after seeing the dogs, creating a cheerful atmosphere at the church.
Well-Disciplined Dogs Become Part of the Church
The primary purpose of bringing the dogs to the church was to take care of them, and since they were well-trained by Chris, they behaved very well. When Chris parked his vehicle, the dogs understood that he was at work and showed discipline inside the church. After witnessing the positive impact of these two dogs on the church, they eventually became a part of the church.
A Happy Ending for the Dogs and the Church
Tewkesbury Abbey, which holds a rich 900-year history, is one of the most popular churches in the region, where maintaining discipline is of great importance. The positive influence of the dogs brought a refreshing change to the church environment. What started as a temporary arrangement to take care of the dogs turned into a heartwarming story of joy and companionship.
The dogs, who were initially brought to the church for a few days, ended up becoming cherished members of the church community. This was truly a happy ending for the dogs, who transitioned from being temporary guests to beloved members of the church family
