Historic 900-Year-Old English Abbey Officially Employs Two Dogs As Their Assistant Vergers

"All God’s creatures are welcome at Tewkesbury Abbey and it has been amazing to see the huge positive response online and in person to Eric and Flo."

Chelsi

• Published in Animal Stories
• October 6, 2024

Historic Tewkesbury Abbey recruits two black Labradors to be the "assistant vergers" at the 900-year-old property. Eric and Florence officially became members of their staff recently after overwhelmingly positive feedback from their visitors.

Eric and Flo belong to the Tewkesbury Abbey verger, Chris Skepper. The dogs became regulars at the church after a scheduling conflict that would have left the duo at home alone for long periods.

Chris's wife and daughter left their house for an extended period a year ago, so instead of leaving them home, Chris sought permission to bring the dogs to the Abbey to look after them while he was at work.

Eric and Flo quickly captured the hearts of the Abbey staff and visitors. Chris said the two are absolutely adored and "added to the positive atmosphere" of the Abbey.

Eric and Flo had to prove they were well-behaved during their 3-week trial period. After a quick assessment of the visitors' reception of them, the two dogs were officially hired as the Abbey's assistant vergers.

Unofficially, they are meeters and greeters. They are also sometimes introduced as therapy dogs for nervous visitors who are intimidated by Tewkesbury Abbey's large, dark doors.

Eric and Flo now proudly don their staff badges and assist Chris with his verger duties. They know when to behave and relax on mats during church service.

Churchgoers said Eric and Flo's presence brings a homely feel to the Abbey.

The two very good workers might be the only dogs employed by a cathedral in the country.

Chris said Eric and Flo make people smile and help them feel at ease in the Abbey.

The unfamiliar building feels less daunting because of the assistant vergers' presence.

While some cathedrals are still gauging the merit of allowing dogs on their premises, Tewkesbury Abbey is ahead of the curve because they already have dog employees!

Chris told a visitor during an interview with BBC that she was allowed to pet Eric and Flo for as long as she wanted. It was a welcome offer that was appreciated and would be by many future visitors!

Chris shared a touching story of a churchgoer who couldn't quite sit through a service after having lost a loved one.

When she met Eric and Flo, she sat and stayed with them. He said their calming presence was what she needed in that moment.

Rev. Nick Davis said in the same interview that plenty of their visitors love going to the Abbey. Eric and Flo have been a great way to reassure would-be visitors who have dogs that they were welcome in the church.

In the Diocese of Gloucester's website, the Vicar of Tewkesbury added that all of God's creatures were welcome at the cathedral.

The positive response to Eric and Flo in person and online was met with joy by those who work with them.

The Vicar said they were happy that Eric and Florence's presence allowed people to experience the peace and calm of Tewkesbury Abbey. According to the Diocese of Gloucester's website, "All are welcome to visit Eric and Florence at Tewkesbury Abbey. The Abbey is open from 9:30 AM to 4 PM daily."

Chelsi