The Blessing of the Animals at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinebeck

“The Blessing” is a hands-on, individual experience administered by Pastor James Miller.  All furred, finned, feathered and scaled friends are invited to attend with their companion humans. All animal guests must be properly escorted, leashed, kenneled, harnessed, etc. This is an outdoor event.

In addition to “The Blessing,” the church’s great lawn will also be filled with community-based rescue services and shelter organizations. Visitors, with or without pet escorts, can meet and interact with Ambassador Animals and learn more about pet and wildlife care.  Countryside Animal Hospital is sponsoring a free “Ask the Vet” table to answer questions about medical issues, general care and grooming.

 Current List of Exhibitors: Photos and Interview Guests Available

ANIMAL FARM FOUNDATION … a 501c3 charity, AFF was founded in 1985 and built on the principle that “all dogs are individuals”.  Promoting animal and human welfare their focus is to help people and pets in their communities by supporting local shelter programs, rescuing and placing at risk breeds, esp. pit bulls.  Their “Old Friend” program focuses on senior shelter dogs. Their Ambassador Animal will be an adoptable “Old Friend”.

BLIND DOG RESCUE ALLIANCE … one of their missions is to place blind canines in loving homes.  Being visually challenged does not inhibit a dog’s ability to live rewarding lives and be loving companions.  Their Ambassador Animal is Hazel.

SUNNY PAWS VETERINARY SERVICES … free “ask the vet” table with Dr. Danielle St. Pierre, founder of Sunny Paws Veterinary Services. She is one of the vets on the four person panel at the Starr Library event dealing with pet loss and grief.

DR. LAURA JAWORSKI AND LAZARUS … Dr. Laura is a veterinarian, wildlife rehabilitator, educator and falconer.   At her table folks can meet and greet Raptor Ambassador Lazarus, an eight-year-old Eurasian eagle owl.

HOPE FARM ANIMAL RESCUE, INC….  a 501c3, their mission is to rescue farm animals and provide them with a safe place to heal and thrive.  Their van is always filled with amazing residents that children can play with and learn about.  Their Ambassador Animal is Rosie, a 200 plus pound pot belly pig …  her favorite treats are lollipops.

HOPE FOR DOGS PR .. a 501c3, their mission is to rescue and rehabilitate homeless and at-risk dogs from Puerto Rico. Once in the US, they have a second chance for a nurturing home and stress-free life.  They will have several Ambassador Puppies for adoption.

P.A.N.T. … a 501c3, “Partnership for Animal Needing Transition” is an all-volunteer community group working to reduce feral and abandoned cat populations.  They support early neuter and spay while maintaining an ongoing TNR (trap, neuter and return) program.  They will have several Ambassador Felines looking for loving homes

PET DIVISION of 4-H … a 501c3, the 4-H Small Animal Project allows youth to learn about the life history, management and care of a pet of their choice: birds, guinea pigs, rabbits dogs and even bugs!  The project covers all aspects of pet care: selection, feeding, health, etc. Raising these pets in the 4-H Pet Division helps kids develop important life skills for future success. Come meet the members and learn more about their Ambassador Animals.

STATE POLICE CANINE UNIT … The New York State department’s participation is always a very exciting addition.  From the moment the transport vehicle arrives everyone is eager to meet the team, 2 and 4-legged officers.  Working members of the canine unit, these partners provide a great opportunity to answer questions about their important role in keeping the community safe.