On Sunday, May 18th, Rhinebeck’s very own Third Lutheran Church will host their annual Blessing of the Animals event. This event has been part of the national “Be Kind to Animals” week, which has been celebrated for 110 years and is the oldest commemorative week in US history. This weekend’s event entails different animal organizations coming together at the church to receive a blessing for their animals. It’s a day to honor and celebrate the beauty and importance of all creatures. The pet remembrance tree will honor the animals lost in the California wildfires this past year. The event draws many sponsors, including some very well known organizations of the Hudson Valley: the Southlands Foundation and the Partnership for Animals Needing Transition(P.A.N.T.). 

Southlands has been involved in Rhinebeck’s Blessing of the Animals for two years, and they were sought out by a local parent. Thanks to Kathy McGettrick,

Executive Director of the Southlands Foundation, we have a great insight on some of our local farms and their involvement in the event. The local parent “recognized that our message, which is about love of the land and all its creatures, aligned really well with the blessing of the animals, and showing appreciation for the joy, companionship, and unconditional love that animals bring us”, said Kathy. The Southlands team will bring a 15 year old horse named Cassie to be blessed and to spread the Southlands mission. 

Gwen Harding Peet, Acting President of P.A.N.T., also shared her organization’s mission and involvement in the Blessing of the Animals. She works as a TNR (Trap Neuter Return) member for P.A.N.T. Gwen explains that this is the only humane way to aid the overpopulation of stray cats. The P.A.N.T. group will bring a litter of kittens to be blessed, and promote their mission as well. Gwen says, “For me it’s a celebration of the relationship between animals and humans. And I hope by our presence there we can dispel some of the myths associated with feral/community cats so people can appreciate them and learn how to responsibly contribute to their health and welfare”. The Blessing of the Animals is a community event for those who love animals and believe they should be celebrated. 

The event will take place on its rain date, May 18th, from 1-5pm and all are welcome to attend.