Blessing of the Pets to raise money for ‘pawsitive’ cause

Emmanuel Lutheran Church (2301 Fall Creek Highway) in Acton, will be hosting a Blessing of the Pets event at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the pavilion.

Following the pet blessing, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be for sale, with the proceeds benefitting the future Animal Food Pantry.

“We decided several months ago that we wanted to do something to help provide food for needy pets and as part of that plan, we decided to do a blessing of the pets,” said Sally Adamson, co-chair with Kim Fancher, of the event. “Our idea was to have some kind of facility here where we could hand out pet food to families that don't have the ability to feed their animals.”

During the Blessing of the Pets, Pastor Donna Wright will read a scripture from Genesis 1, giving the animals a general blessing. She will then proceed to touch each animal on the head and bless each one individually.

“I say, 'Is there anything particular about your animal that you would like me to know as I ask for blessing?’ Sometimes the animals will have some sickness or something and so I'll pray for that. I usually put my hand on the animal’s head — except for cats, because I am very allergic to cats. I've even touched reptiles which is, you know, outside my comfort zone, but they’re God’s creatures too,” Wright said, with a chuckle.

Fancher said each pet will receive a certificate of blessing.

“We're inviting the sheriff's department and city of Granbury canine units to come, and the information has gone out to all the animal rescues, so we're gonna have all the puppies and cats here — and others,” Fancher said, with a grin.

A local high school FFA student is already planning on bringing her heifer along with her other exotic animals to the event, according to Adamson.

“It’s open to all kinds of animals. We are open-minded,” Adamson said. “They’re all God’s creatures. We want the community to come and bring their pets and be aware that we’re moving in the direction of trying to help needy pets.”

Wright said she is planning on picking up “people kibble” like goldfish crackers and animal cookies for the pet blessing.

“We're gonna have fun. We just want people to come and enjoy,” Adamson said.

She said that she is excited about the “opportunity to bring animals and people together in the community.”

“I want them to be aware that we’re here, and that we’re a caring, loving, friendly church,” she added.

For more information about the Blessing of the Pets event, call Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 817-326-2201.