Shrewsbury Church To Host Annual Blessing Of The Animals

SHREWSBURY, MA — Local pets and their owners are invited to gather on the Town Common for a community blessing next month.

The First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury will host its fourth annual Blessing of the Animals from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Shrewsbury Town Common, near Route 140 and Main Street. The free event will include animal blessings, rescue organizations and a pet food collection for Central Massachusetts residents in need.

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A blessing ceremony will begin at noon, followed by individual blessings from Pastor Holly MillerShank. Each blessed pet will receive a special tag. People can also bring photographs or stuffed-animal representations of pets.

Plus, the Worcester Animal Rescue League, Handsome Dan's Rescue and Buddy Dog will provide information about their services and adoption opportunities.

Attendees are encouraged to bring pet food donations for the Central Mass Pet Pantry in Shrewsbury. The organization supplies pet food and other necessities to people facing financial hardship, helping families keep their animals at home.

The event will also feature free pony rides from Ridge Valley Stables from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., ice cream and pet treats for sale from Uhlman's Ice Cream and information about pet cremation services from Chiampa Funeral Home.

Participants can also paint and take home a pet rock for a $5 donation.

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