Blessing of the Animals

772-388-3826

6230 77th St., Vero Beach

Starts: Saturday 05/05/2018 10:00am
Ends: Saturday 05/05/2018 11:00am

The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVB & IRC) invites members of the community and their companion animals to the annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, May 5th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. The service will be held in the Humane Society's Volunteer Pavilion located at 6230 77th Street (Hobart Road), Vero Beach. The Blessing of the Animals is being held in conjunction with “Be Kind to Animals Week," a nationally recognized week celebrating the human/animal bond and promoting the protection of all animals. Officiants include Alisa Forman of Temple Beth Shalom, Deacon John Dunlop of St. Sebastian Church and Pastor Mark Bernthal from Our Savior Lutheran Church.

This event invites people of all faiths and all animals in attendance will be blessed. Members of the community without pets are also welcome to participate in the celebration. “Animals are an integral part of of lives and part of our families. They make our lives richer. Our blessing honors animals of every shape and size. We'll bless animals who have found their forever homes  and say a prayer for those animals who have been abandoned, lost or mistreated,” HSVB Assistant Development Director Jennifer Downes explained. After the public ceremony, the shelter's homeless animals will also receive a blessing.

Families can bring a photo of their pet to be blessed if their animal is too frail or frightened to attend or if their pet has passed away. Although there is no charge to participate, The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County asks attendees to consider making a contribution to the Humane Society's Spay/Neuter fund. Donations of supplies such as sheets, towels and blankets for the animals housed and cared for at the shelter are also welcomed. Guests are encouraged to RSVP with the Humane Society at (772) 388-3826.

The Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping and protecting the animals of Indian River County.

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