Over 50 pets participate in the fourth annual Blessing of the Pets

By Dani Baldasarre
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Pet owners who live and work at Brooksby Village recently participated in the fourth annual Blessing of the Pets. The annual event took place on October 4 on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, a great lover of animals.

Billion dollar industry
Sixty three percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 69.1 million homes. And the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that pet owners will spend over $38 billion on their pets in 2006. So it’s no surprise the pet owners at Brooksby would do anything for their furry little friends.

“We had more than 50 pets and their owners in attendance,” says Rich Byrne, pastoral ministries manager at Brooksby Village. “This ceremony always brings forth warmth, smiles, and feelings of love.”

‘It was lovely’
Marie Wakefield attended the pet blessing for the first time with her dog Kim. “They really do a wonderful job. And there was such a good feeling about it. There were little dogs and big dogs. It was lovely,” says Marie.

Besides bringing their dogs, cats, and other animals, residents brought stuffed animals for blessings. But most touching were those who brought pictures of their deceased pets, some pictures dating back many years.

‘Brooksby really cares’
“It’s just another example that Brooksby really cares about the people who live here. They do the little things that make all of us feel so important,” says Marie. “It makes you feel special.”