Concho Valley PAWS to Host Celebration of Animals Pet Blessing

Concho Valley PAWS in partnership with Sunset Mall will host its 5th annual "Celebration of Animals" event this Friday, October 3, 2014 beginning at 6pm at Sunset Mall.
The event includes a pet blessing offered by Catholic Deacon Dan Shanahan and Protestant Pastor Karen Schmeltekopf.  There will also be a special evening adoption event where rescued pets will be showcased for adoption until 8pm.  Everyone is invited to attend this free gathering.  All vaccinated and leashed pets are welcome.  PAWS requests that cats and exotics arrive in pet taxis or crates for safety.

The event has been held each year in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assissi, the Patron Saint of Animals in the catholic religion.

"We love these events.  It gives our community an opportunity to celebrate their relationship with their animals and to give thanks for their pets.  It allows us to acknowledge the importance of these innocent little creatures and the impact they have on our lives."  said Jenie Wilson, Executive Director for Concho Valley PAWS.

St. Francis is recognized for his love of God and all His Creation.  St. Francis was a caregiver and peacemaker that  focused his teaching on alleviating suffering.  "We carry his beautiful message in our own way  in the work that we do in animal rescue.    As companion animal advocates, this celebration allows us to acknowledge our pets and important place they have in our lives.  But at the same time  we must  recognize that thousands of these beautiful creatures suffer at the hands of mankind.  It is our focus, our mission to bring awareness to their suffering and end the unnecessary euthanasia of thousands of adoptable pets through low-cost spay and neuter services, quality pet adoption programs and community educational services,"  Wilson said