Blaze the Fire Puppy is blessed and reporting for duty

Blaze, left, gives his partner, Chief Scott, a high-five during the blessing ceremony.

Sisters of Providence, along with residents of Providence Health Care and other friends, gathered on Sunday afternoon to meet and to bless a new neighbor, Blaze the Fire Puppy. Blaze is a 13-week-old British Labrador puppy who is training with Sugar Creek Fire Chief Darrick Scott and who will serve with Chief Scott as a partner in his duties.

Currently Blaze and the fire chief are attending obedience school and developing a relationship that will bond them as partners. This summer, Blaze will go to Wisconsin for four months to work on his track and trail skills, and he will later work to develop the necessary skills to assist with arson investigations.

On Sunday, however, he was a playful pup who tolerated the prayer service during which he was blessed but relished the attention from his admirers—and the treats he received for responding to his boss’ commands.

The service included a blessing for Chief Scott and all fire fighters as well as a prayer for Blaze. Both are reprinted below. We invite you to pray the prayers for our friends Chief Scott and Blaze and for all who dedicate themselves to the welfare of others.

Prayer of Blessing for Firefighters

Blessed are you, Lord, God of mercy,
who through your Son gave us a marvelous example of charity
and the great commandment of love for one another.

Send down your blessings on your servants,
who so generously devote themselves to helping and protecting others.
Grant them courage when they are afraid,
wisdom when they must make quick decisions,
strength when they are weary,
and compassion in all their work.
When they are called to aid both friend and stranger,
let them faithfully serve you in their neighbor.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

*     *     *

Prayer of Blessing for Blaze

Blaze, may the power of this blessing from Christ fill you with life,
bind you to your human partner,
and allow your life and service to give praise and honor
to the One who created you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ.

Amen.