By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Anyone who has ever had a four-legged friend will tell you that a pet becomes a very real part of your family. The same is true at Sedgebrook, where the sense of family and community is created not only by residents and staff, but by some very popular and muchloved cats and dogs as well.

On a recent unseasonably warm October afternoon, Sedgebrook pets and  owners gathered outside for a funfilled parade. Residents got to show off their cherished furry friends to their neighbors, and introduce the pooches and kitties to one another.

After the parade, pastoral ministries intern Adrienne Trevathan led the group in a prayer and resident Earl Bengston blessed each animal.

“The weather was beautiful and there was genuine fellowship amongst the residents and the animals,” Trevathan said. “When Mr. Bengston was individually blessing the animals, you could feel the importance of the blessing hanging in the air— and that animals are precious and show unconditional love to all, which is what we are to do.”