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From Reverend Sharon Grenham-Toze, Anglican Priest and Prison Chaplain:

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In the clean up after Glastonbury someone found a dog that had been left behind – as far as I know no-one has claimed her yet - and apparently she’s been called ‘Dolly’ after Dolly Parton. She’s being looked after, and I hope either her owners come for her or she finds a lovely adoptive home.

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A pet going missing is incredibly upsetting. A colleague of mine has been through this recently because her beloved cat Noodle just disappeared one day several weeks ago. She and her husband went out in the fields calling for him, they put up notices round the area, left food out – all the things you can think of – but still no sign. They feared the worst. ‘I just hope someone’s taken him in’ she said, ‘and is looking after him.’ There’s no doubt that a relationship with an animal can be a deep and mutual one, and when a certain creature isn’t there any more it leaves a huge gap. I still miss my cat who died several years ago, and I marvel at the loyalty and faithfulness of my little dog Ralphie, who’s quite an old gentleman now.

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AA Milne, the author of the Winnie the Pooh stories, once wrote ‘Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.’

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What would they tell us if we listened more? Without getting too soppy about it, would they remind us to slow down, stretch out in the sun a bit more, take it easy? Or perhaps they’d suggest we get out there, explore, be curious, test ourselves a bit? They might remind us of the importance of loyalty, and the quiet joy of friendship. Or they could inspire us with their wild beauty and their independence. Some religions have stories about animals, but I think all animals can teach us something about spirituality and the deeper things of life.

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And I’m happy to report that, a bit like the Prodigal Son turning up after weeks of high living, Noodle found his way home this Monday morning – we all uttered a grateful Hallelujah!