Dog finds God: Lance the Lab cross joins clergy

A guide dog has been made a member of a church clergy in recognition of how he enhances the life of his blind owner during her service within the community.

Lance the golden retriever and Labrador cross has become an honorary canon in celebration of how he supports the Reverend Canon Emerita Stephne van der Toorn.

The three-year-old pooch, a familiar face within the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, will receive the accolade at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Sunday.

"I feel very blessed that the faithful service of my guide dog is being recognised," said Van der Toorn, who has 5% vision.

"A long time ago, a parishioner pointed out to me that God is dog spelt backwards. I have found that very helpful in my faith journey with blindness."

Van der Toorn has trained with Lance this year following the retirement of her previous guide dog Coco, who was also made a canon.

Coco, who has become Van der Toorn's husband Joop's pet dog, assisted the 73-year-old from 2016 in the Benefice of East Bergholt and Brantham until her retirement in 2023.

Van der Toorn, a mother of four daughters, is a spiritual director in the diocese and undertakes public speaking on behalf of the Guide Dogs charity.

She also continues to assist at the Benefice of Great Barton and Thurston in West Suffolk and at the cathedral in Bury St Edmunds as a chaplain on duty.

She said her pooch was a "very loving, gentle, playful soul" and "plants his paws and refuses to move" if she starts walking in the wrong direction.

"I have found that when I am chaplain on duty people will tell my dog things that they wouldn't dream of telling me. They smile and become very chatty," she added.

"He guides me up to the altar rail for communion. Once there, he places his front paws on the altar step and wags his tail until I have received the bread and the wine.

"He then ushers me back to my seat, knowing he's been very clever. So far, we have not had a disaster as he has not tried to snaffle the wafers."

As well as in the church, Lance helps Van der Toorn access the library, village shop and community centre, and safely cross roads.

The decision to bless Lance with the title of canon was welcomed by The Right Reverend Dr Joanne Grenfell, the Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich.

Grenfell said appointing an honorary canine canon was "almost unheard of for us" but Lance was Van der Toorn's "rock" and gave her "the confidence to live life fully".

"Lance's appointment recognises the invaluable role not just in the life of Steph as one of the county's priests, but also our parishioners who benefit from his calming presence," she added.

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.