Pets to be blessed, dressed in costume for upcoming events

On Sunday, Oct. 6, the St. Francis Pet Ministry of Christ Episcopal Church at 8951 Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania County will sponsor its Blessing of the Animals and second annual Community Pet Fair. The event is planned from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar, beloved saint and one of the most venerated individuals in Christian history. Widely known for his love of nature and animals, his feast day on Oct. 4 often is observed with a Blessing of the Animals.

The event is open to anyone in the community, and people are encouraged to bring dogs, cats, birds, turtles, hamsters, horses, stuffed and plush animals, photos of four-legged friends and even pet cremains. Attendees are asked to be sure their pets are under control and updated on vaccines.

Treats will be available for pets and humans.

Treats also will be in abundance at the Old Dominion Humane Society’s annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 5-8 p.m. The rescue dogs will get in on the fun with costumes and a chance to mingle with visitors. The free event will be held in the center’s parking lot at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Spotsylvania County.

ODHS will accept donations of hot dogs, chips and drinks as admission. Dog food, monetary donations for veterinary care and other needed items — as spelled out on the olddominionhumanesociety.org/ website — will also be accepted as admission.

“This is a great chance for visitors to meet the dogs looking for their forever homes, and it’s going to be an evening filled with fun,” said ODHS Founder Chrissy Blake.

The ODHS parking lot will be filled with cars decorated for Halloween for Trunk or Treat, games and more. The event is open to whole families who will get the chance to visit with puppies, adults and senior dogs.

At the Community Pet Fair at Christ Episcopal Church, Father Daniel Johnson conducts the Blessing of the Animals service by having prayer, reading selected verses and then taking a hands-on approach. If the animals allow it, he cradles their heads in his hands, puts his nose against their nuzzle and offers a prayer for each.

“May God bless you, hold you and keep you and may God’s grace shine upon you,” he said.

Last year, the blessing was extended to a plastic container of worms a girl brought to the service.

The Community Pet Fair at the church also includes representatives of animal organizations who will answer questions about their services. Those scheduled to attend include various animal rescues, possum ambassadors, exotic animals and K9s from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, friends of wildlife and veterinary care and services.

More information about the pet fair is available on Facebook.