This holiday season, we had the joy of hosting three incredible Christmas carol services in London, Loughborough, and Arundel, each with their own special guest speaker (Dame Joanna Lumley DBE, Best-selling author Philippa Gregory and Paralympian Hannah Stodel) offering a unique way to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Our family-friendly services were filled with singing, laughter, and interactive moments with our amazing dogs.

Below are some stunning photos of our favourite moments.

Below is Philippa Gregory’s original poem as read at our Loughborough Carol Service:

The Guiding Star

And was there a puppy? That night in Bethlehem

When the ox knelt down to the manger of hay?

There was a donkey we know – for he bore our Lady 

Nazareth to Bethlehem all the long away.  

There was a lamb white and fluffy – the shepherds

Had carried her, Warm in their arms from the hills to the town. 

But was there a puppy – Wouldn’t someone have said so?  

With eyes bright as buttons? And fur like swansdown?

Really there must have been – maybe a guard dog

Swarmed on his belly to peep in the door,

Watching over the God-given baby, 

His tail softly stirring, his nose on his paws

There were Camels with kings  

Riding  from Persia, Travelling at night, 

it was so hot by day.  

They had a guide dog – they must have had one

Tracking through desert, and down dusty ways.

Of course a dog led them  – what other creature

Would be so faithful and travel so far?

They trusted and followed, wherever he took them

A  puppy so brilliant that they called him Star.