Each year, the items raised through the donations for event entry are split between the rescue groups that attend the event with pets for adoption.When Joan Rose took her Cocker Spaniels Chester and Charlie to the St. Francis of Assisi Church’s blessing of the animals, she never knew what a difference it would make in her life.
Nine years later, she is the longtime coordinator of the annual event, as well as a member of the church congregation. Though Chester and Charlie are no longer around, Pebbles, Rose’s 6-year-old Portuguese water dog, and Tasso, a 7-year-old new rescue, will both be in attendance at this year’s event Sunday, Oct. 2.
“We just felt so welcomed that we joined the church, and have been here ever since,” she said.
“And we actually have [the dogs] blessed twice. The new ones need it,” she added with a laugh.
While the church welcomes new members, the event is open to the public, regardless of faith, and free to all who attend. All guests are asked to do is bring a donation of some kind for one of the animal shelters benefited by the event – a dog bed, food or a toy of any kind.