Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church Deacon for Animals Carol Wood holds her 18-year-old “animal companion” Shadow. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Six months ago, Shepherdstown resident Carol Wood approached the pastor at her church about making a change to her duties as a deacon. She had long felt a deep appreciation for the good that animals brought to the people in their lives and, after some thought, realized she might be able to use this awareness to help Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church minister to those dealing with major changes in their animals’ lives.

“I realized this was a direction I wanted to go in,” Wood said. “I came up with the idea for this position. I’ve always thought outside of the box — it’s my nature.”

Immediately after hearing the idea, Rev. Gusti Newquist knew it was a good one and agreed to the change in Wood’s responsibilities. The work Wood has done since, both with members of her church and of her community, has only confirmed to her the need for a Deacon for Animals in the area.

“It’s like I found my purpose and my place in life,” Wood said. “Animals are members of our families. They have a spirit. They have a soul. And we are the beneficiaries of the blessings they bring to our lives.”

Animals have always played a major role in her life and have always been dear to her, so much so that even when she was serving as an international flight attendant, she made the necessary arrangements to ensure she could continue to have an animal companion or two in her life.

“I grew up on a farm, where we always had animals. So I grew up with the love of animals around me,” Wood said. “When I was in the airline industry, I traveled a great deal. Because of that, I always had cats. It made it a bit easier, though I did have a caregiver to take care of my animals when I was away.”

In her position, Wood has been a supportive presence to those making difficult decisions related to the health of their animals and to those experiencing the loss of an animal. She has also made a point to celebrate, even through something as simple as the sending of a card, whenever someone gets a new animal companion, “be it feathered, scaled or furred.”

“The importance of not only recognizing them as a member of family, but also their integrity and their dedication and the love that they give back to us, is unquestionable,” Wood said, mentioning she currently has three cats and has been considering adding a lizard to the mix. “They deserve our respect.”