Worship With A Woof

Psalm 148: Let all wild animals and small creatures and flying birds praise the Lord. All animals praise the Lord.

One of my recent guest writers wrote this post about activities humans could attend with their dogs. When I read about churches letting owners bring their dogs my heart skipped a joyful beat.  Really? I didn’t know this was possible. Oh how I wish I lived near a church like that!

Often times I have anxiety attacks which prevent me from going places I really want to go to.  There are times I have actually parked my car but couldn’t get out because the fear was so overwhelming. When I can take Kirby along the fears greatly subside or even go away.  I become able to venture forward.

I used to attend church when my children were young because we went as a family.  I’ve even thought about attending an Easter Sunrise Service since they are outside and maybe no one would say anything if I brought Kirby along.  Of course, the fear someone might say something prevents that from happening.  You know that saying, “I wished the ground would open up and swallow me”? Well, that never happens so everyone gets to witness the humiliation.

I figure there must be so many more people who are like me so I truly applaud the pastors and priests who have opened their doors and services to dogs.  I even read one article where a regularly attending dog started howling along whenever the congregation sang a hymn.  I doubt Kirby would sing along but I am confident he would be well behaved although he would probably sleep through the sermon.  Bath time would change from Sunday afternoon to Saturday night and he would wear his best collar and tie or polo shirt. 

I am a Christian who loves the Lord, I trust Him with my life, I talk to Him many times a day, but I never step inside a church.  I know church can be in your heart but how wonderful it would be to get up Sunday morning knowing I had plans to attend a real church with a real congregation. I usually listen to a sermon on television, or in warm weather from the radio on my deck, but how nice would it be to sit in a pew and hear a sermon coming from the mouth of a human standing in the same room.

Well, it does seem impossible but maybe, just maybe, one day I'll come across a church with open doors. I'll walk in with Kirby by my side and we will sit in a pew somewhere to the side where we can quietly prepare to hear the sermon. I just might see a twinkle in his eyes as we rejoice in wonder at what the Lord has done.

It could happen. 

The Tupelo Flea Market

The Tupelo Flea Market in Mississippi is held the second weekend of every month and consists of two huge buildings connected by a long corridor. We recently discovered dogs were allowed so we made the two hour trip north of us this past Saturday.  Alas, I only carried my phone so the pictures aren't that great and only thought to take pics of the Kirbster now and then. The shopping was that good!

There is $1 per person fee to get in. Both buildings are filled with vendor booths and permanent stores along the outer perimeter of the second building. There is a dining facility with tables in each building.  Dogs are only allowed inside if they are contained meaning no walking on a leash.  First we tried a baby stroller which required a $5 fee and my driver’s license.  Total fail as Kirby kept jumping out. About an hour later I took him into the restroom with me. As I was drying my hands using the wall appliance that blows air he bolted loose from his collar running out the door someone had just entered heading down the hallway.  I ran after him screaming his name to which he finally stopped and came to me. Kirby always responds to me immediately but there were so many people and so many noises I don't think he heard me and he was running on pure fear. I can’t even begin to describe how much this scared me. I blame myself so needless to say we will be much more careful of his safety in the future.  

Doug quickly found a shopping cart so I returned the stroller. Next I ran to the car to retrieve his harness which he always wears and his mat we had thought to bring along. Back with Doug and Kirby I exchanged the Doodie Pack Kirby was wearing with his harness and placed his mat in the bottom of the upper basket so he could be comfortable.  His anxious demeanor soon relaxed as he adjusted to the sights and sounds. At times he seemed bored, at times he was quite interested, and at times he became sleepy.

 

Now we could all relax and enjoy some shopping. It was just like being at a festival except everything was inside and, considering the cold weather, a welcome plus.  There was a little of something for everyone.  I purchased inexpensive shirts (three were $5 and three were $3) for Kirby at two different dog booths, one of which had just about everything a dog owner could want.  I almost bought a beautiful treat jar from a handmade ceramics vendor but it was too large so I hope to catch her next time.  I bought a gorgeous yet simple case for my smart phone.  Doug found a very nice wallet and Luwanda bought a whole plethora of goodies.

We came across a vendor who knits hats for adults and children.  We got to talking and she’s going to figure out how to make one for Kirby, and of course other dogs, allowing for their ears to stick out.  Her prices are so reasonable so I hope she has some when we go back in a few months.

Kirby wasn't interested in the pups for sale but he perked up when we came across some birds and chinchillas.

The Easter Bunny was there and of course, we couldn’t resist. So for $5 we were able to get some pics and I have the cutest video of Kirby’s reaction. He was so sweet and not the slightest bit afraid. I suppose he thinks if I was willing to hand him over to this huge costumed person then it must be ok. 

I think just about everything was represented from animals (yes, there were puppies for sale) to clothing to pottery to everyday items. We want to check out the Jackson Flea Market soon.  Poor Kirby slept the whole way home but he loves to go anywhere so I don't think he really minded. He did get to ride first class the whole day.  

Do you have an inside, monthly flea market where you live?  Is it a must go or a now and then shopping experience?

The Gumbo Pot, French Quarter, NOLA

It was late in the afternoon when we spotted The Gumbo Pot on the side of the Jax Brewery by the river. We decided we might be hungry. Scanning the menu we knew we were hungry and eagerly waited for a table.  Dogs aren't allowed in the main dining area but are welcome in the covered outside patio so we happily settled at a table in the corner.

The waitress brought us menus along with a bowl of cold water for Kirby. The selection was great so we started off with drinks to allow time to make our decisions.  Doug went for his usual Budweiser while I chose an Abita Strawberry Lager, a local beer produced by the Abita Brewing Company located just 30 miles north of New Orleans.

The Famous Gumbo Pot Seafood Restaurant & Bar was established in 1894.  It's open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even ship their famous creole gumbo nationwide!

Our waitress really catered to us and made our visit very enjoyable. The prices were a little high for our budget so we decided to share, plus I wanted room for dessert.  We settled on The Creole Combo which was quite enough for two people. It came with Jumbalaya, Shrimp Creole, and Crawfish Ettouffee. It didn't disappoint. Doug, who likes spicy food, said it had just enough heat.

Our dessert was bread pudding, a New Orleans tradition, made with leftover bread, eggs, cream, butter and topped with an irish whiskey sauce. I ever so slowly devoured each bite of yumminess. All I can say is Oh My God!   

Kirby was content with a drink of cold water and a nap.  He slept though the entire meal.

The Details:

• 600 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana   1-504-522-1010
• Open 7 days a week with breakfast served from 8:00 - 3:00

Our Review:

Positive

• Dog friendly covered patio 
• Friendly staff
• Located next to the river

Negative 

• Meals are on the expensive side