Many dogs, two cats, one parrot, a miniature donkey, a llama and an alpaca all received blessings Saturday morning at the fifth annual Blessing of the Animals worship service at Hope Lutheran Church.
The dogs ranged in size from a 190-pound Great Dane named Captain to a four-pound Maltipoo named Cooper. One thing all of these animals had in common was the joy they bring to their owners.
During the service, led by Pastor Jon-Marc MacLean, pet owners were given a chance to express what their pets meant to them. Many people credited their pets for helping them get through tough times, including cancer, death of a spouse and divorce. One woman shared that her son had taken his own life last year and she truly did not think she would have gotten through it without the unconditional love of her dog.
Bill Shelly, who along with his wife, Margie, organize the pet blessing, took the opportunity during the sharing to thank the more than 40 volunteers who work to put on this event.
Captain’s owner, John McIntyre, agreed with that sentiment.
“No matter what kind of day I have had, if I come home and rub on him for a little while, I am in heaven,” said McIntyre, who has been around Great Danes all of his life. “They are wonderful dongs, such comfort.”
Realizing some people are taken a back because of their size, McIntyre said, “They are lovable gentle giants.”
The Village of Hadley resident added with a laugh, “The only thing is he gets three-fourths of the bed and only leaves me a small spot.”
This was the first pet blessing McIntyre had attended.
“I really like this idea,” he said. “I think I will see all of my pets again one day. I believe they go over the rainbow and wait for us.”
Cooper’s owner Mary Brennan was also attending the pet blessing for the first time. Cooper, a rescue dog, was found on the side of the road.
“When I agreed to take him, I was told that he was four years old,” said Brennan, adding that Cooper was taken to a second vet and it was determined that he was definitely older, probably six or seven.
“I remember when the girl called me to tell me Cooper was older than they first thought,” said Brennan, of the Village of Belvedere. “She was afraid I wouldn’t want him because he was older. But I told her no problem, he is going to The Villages where he will fit right in.”
Also in attendance were Jose, a miniature donkey; Promise, an alpaca; and Luna, a llama.
“We see these animals every day, but most people don’t get a chance to, and that is why we like to come to the pet blessing to share these animals with everyone else,” said Tincy German, Promise’s owner.
Village of Tamarind Grove resident Bonnie Anderson was getting a lot of attention with her 27-year-old McCaw named Ms. Hugo sitting on top of her shoulder.
“She talks and has keen hearing. She says hello before the person even knocks on the door,” said Anderson. “She follows me around like a little puppy dog.”
Representing one of the two cats in attendance was Lee Brockman. He, along with his wife, Barbara, founded Cat Crazy Villagers.
“I used to raise Alaskan Malamutes,” said Lee Brockman. “I married into a cat family.”
As for his reason for attending the pet blessing with Sasha, his 17-old Ragdoll cat,
“I believe in the power of prayer. If I have the opportunity to have one of God’s creatures blessed – I am not going to pass that up.”
An offering was collected at the service and donated to the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County. The money will be used for vaccines and medical care.
