A blessing for fur-pets and some cold-blooded pets, too
Pet parent with a couple of tortoises.
For over 20 years, the pet blessing event has been part of the Philippine celebration of World Animal Day — and it never gets old or boring or repetitious — the animal pet blessing, that is.
It’s true. If you have ever witnessed a Mass with an added blessing right for the pets on World Animal Day, which coincides with the feast of pet-lover St. Francis of Assisi, you understand what I mean.
Fur dad with his well-dressed dog.
St. Francis is known for having called all animals “brother” or “sister,” as he asked them to praise God. Legend has it that he would walk the streets and go through byways, inviting everyone to sing with him.
And, it is no wonder that, if you are an animal lover or a pet advocate — St. Francis is a saint you look up to and admire.
Bird lovers and their cockatiel.
“The moment when fur parents recited the Pet Owner’s Pledge to their pets was one of the most touching during the Philippine Animal Welfare Society’s (PAWS) Pet Blessing,” said executive director Anna Cabrera. “Every year, the pet blessing event is attended by hundreds, and for this year, we had around 400 pets in the SM North Edsa Skydome.”
DOG owner and her corgi.
A BOY and his exotic iguana.
