FOLIO
The other day, while romping through a pile of leaves, I caught wind of this special event. It’s called the Blessing of the Pets and it’s becoming a popular trend in many communities, even right here in Northeast Florida. I learned all about this custom from Sandy Golding, director of development at St. Francis Animal Hospital.
“We love this event because it celebrates the special bond shared between people and their pets,” she said. Golding told me that the ceremony is held to remember St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. My ears perked up when she mentioned a feast to celebrate his life followed by a special blessing for pets. I’ll take a sweet potato blessing, please, and my friend, McKenna the Sheltie, will have one with green beans.
From what I’ve heard, the sniffing and socializing begin at 10 a.m. under the oak trees of Fletcher Park with the blessing starting at 12:30 p.m. I’m hoping to fetch a few treats and a free nail trim from a vendor booth while McKenna gets a charity bath at the Laudromutt. A veterinarian from St. Francis Animal Hospital will be onsite to answer veterinary questions and to microchip pets for a low cost with no registration fee. That’s a good idea, so if you get lost, you’ll be returned home safely.
Silent auction items will be up for bid and dogs who need a loving home will be available for adoption. There will be food, face-painting, and fun activities for the entire family.
Even better, the donations go to local non-profits St. Francis Animal Hospital and St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry to help family pets in need of medical care. I totally dig their missions because they both help local pets like me stay healthy by providing affordable animal treatment and raising money for pets and families in need. So, mark your calendar and grab your leash or creature carrier and spend Saturday afternoon with me (Davi) and my friends. I’m told all creatures – furred, feathered or finned – are welcome.
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Davi is a brown dachshund with an appetite for adventure. He’s currently the “Out and About Scout” for Unleash Jacksonville Magazine and contributes a weekly column to Folio Weekly. He loves sweet potato treats, playing at the park with friends, and exploring the unknown.
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