Meet the dogs who work for God

By Lauren Beavis via SWNS

Meet the dogs that work for God - as the official assistant vergers at an historic abbey.

Labradors Eric, 10, and Florence, 9, belong to Chris Skepper - Head Verger of Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucestershire.

Chris says last year his wife and daughter went away from home for an extended period of time leaving him alone with the two dogs.

He decided to seek permission from the Head Verge to bring Eric and Florence to work with him - so they would not be left on their own.

They now come into Tewkesbury Abbey on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and two Sundays a month - as official assistant vergers.

The pair are also acting as therapy dogs for those who visit the Abbey - and even have their own official name badges.

Chris said: "People absolutely love them - staff and visitors alike.

"They have added to the positive atmosphere here at the abbey and have had such warm welcoming."

Chris explained: "It was agreed initially that the dogs were allowed to come in temporarily for three weeks - as long as they are well behaved and didn't interfere

"But they got such a positive reaction from members of staff and visitors that they were allowed to stay."

Eric and Florence now come to work with Chris and follow him around the Abbey.

During services, including Evensong, they lie quietly on their mats in the side aisle.

On their working days, Chris will ask visitors at the door if they would like to meet the dogs - and if they are happy to do so, the pups pay them a visit.

Chris, who has worked at the historic Abbey since October 2019, has had the two black Labradors since they were puppies.

He explains how the dogs provide a welcoming reception to people who may not be familiar with the Church.

Chris said: "If you are involved in the Church, you forget how daunting it can be for non-church people to come into the building.

"There are these big dark doors, and people are not always sure what is going to happen when they go in.

"But then they come in see the dogs and think, 'oh that's ordinary!

"Even if they don't want to interact with the dogs, it puts a smile on their face.

"They can relate and it breaks down barriers."

Chris says lots of people want to interact with the dogs, and they are very obedient with tasks and requests.

Eric and Florence are with Chris all day on site, walking round and doing jobs.

Chris explains how a verger is responsible for doing all the 'behind the scenes preparation' for the Abbey - including preparing for all the services, moving chairs, polishing, cleaning.

If there are tasks the dogs are not able to help with, they will just sit on their mat until Chris comes to get them.

Chris added how the Labradors are especially brilliant for such a job - and how they love walk around with their Dad with wagging tails.

He said: "Labradors are breed for a job and they want to be with you and please you.

"As long as you give clear direction and they know their purpose.

''I can tell when I bring them to work and they hop out the car and I put their lanyards on that they they know what their doing - and their tails are wagging away."

Everyone is welcome to visit Eric and Florence at Tewkesbury Abbey.

The Abbey is open from 9.30 am to 4 pm daily.

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