The Blessing of the Animals and Community Adorned Pet Remembrance Tree.
A FREE family fun, that can be enjoyed by people with pets or without pets
Sat., May 18th, noon to 4pm/// Rain Date, Sun. May 19th, 1pm to 5pm
Happening at Third Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 Livingston Street in Rhinebeck, NY 12572. (845) 876 4471
For 109 years Americans have been celebrating "Be Kind to Animals Week", the oldest commemorative week in US history. Started by AMERICAN*HUMANE to honor the human-animal bond, Americans mark this May event with many loving "happenings".
This year, in addition to our "Blessing of the Animals" there will be a community "Pet Remembrance Tree". The community is invited to adorn this 6-ft tree with loving tributes to "family" members they have lost. Items can be a special pet toy, leash, photo, note, paw print, a card or children can make decorations, etc. The actual tree will be placed in front of the church on Sunday, May 5th. so items can be placed directly on the tree. We are starting to collect these items now.
In advance of May 5th, there will be a marked drop off box under the covered office entrance, near the church's mail box. Tributes can be placed in the marked box, hand delivered to church on Sunday mornings or mailed to the church office. Sunday morning service begins at 9:30 with Pastor James Miller. If there are any questions about this memorial tree please call our Tree Captain, Rosemary, at 845 478 2452.
"The Blessing" will start at Noon with a brief opening ceremony. All furred, finned, scaled and feathered friends are invited to attend with their companion people. To ensure the safety of ALL, animal ambassadors must be properly escorted, leashed, kenneled or harnessed. Pooper scooper laws do apply and pick up bags will be available.
In addition to "The Blessing" there will be several other free, family friendly events to enjoy:
*** Meet and greet Animal Ambassadors representing local shelters and rescue groups
*** Interact with local service animals including a representative from the police canine unit
*** Take a chance in an onsite raffle to support the charity, AMERICAN*HUMANE
"It's A Party" raffle prizes have been donated by The Emporium LTD., Harney & Sons and Adams Fairacre Farms
*** Spend some time with rescued farm animals ... pigs, goats, bunnies, horses, etc.
*** Check out the various environmental groups who focus on bees, butterfly gardens, creating a safer haven for birds, etc.
Come and enjoy this special event and bring your cameras. There will be many loving moments to capture.