The umpires were out at 8am last Sunday to make sure the Dunsfold Common wicket was playable for our Pet Service following the overnight electric storm and downpour. Thankfully, our prayers were answered. The ground was dry and firm and our wonderful service was celebrated without any need for umbrellas or evacuation to the pavilion, otherwise known as the Sun Inn.There was a congregation of 51, including a sizeable group of children, as we gave thanks for God’s creation and especially the pets that mean so much to us now, and those we have loved in the past. As usual we had an array of handsome dogs (and DOGS - Dunsfold Old Girls) but it was great to see Louie the pony in attendance along with Amber the tortoise. No snakes this year.Thanks to Catherine Diamond who was our lay leader, Jane Wright, our reader, and Judith Lahey-Bean, who led our prayers. Huge organisational contributions were also made by Mel Shone, Doug Tait. Mark Edsall and Nick St Aubyn. As requested people stayed for a chat at the end and Elle Cremer kindly provided courtesy coffees in the pub. And, if truth be told, some of our congregation stayed for something a little stronger as the clock edged towards lunch.