PARADING PETS & HONORING WOMEN

ANYONE  WHO WILL KICK A WOMAN WILL KICK A DOG. There  is a strong correlation between domestic violence and pet abuse. There! The ugly part of this blog is over. Now comes the good part. There is a wonderful organization, the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence ~ SCCADV) that helps women and children (and sometimes men) who need advice, counseling for themselves and children, advocacy, legal aid, shelter and other things needed whenever a woman and her children flee abuse, often in the middle of the night, with nothing but the clothes on their back.

Recovery from abuse can be uplifting, positive, empowering and even fun! I am the pastor of the Congregational Church of Patchogue.  Our church has held a toilet paper drive for the domestic violence shelter ($1000 worth!); held an anti-bullying play; and sponsored (along with several other great organizations) the Annual Patchogue Pet Parade. Anyone from other areas is invited at participate.

People do not like to discuss domestic violence. But we need to. It is all around us and for many it is in our own homes. But there is help available. If domestic violence  is NOT one of your  problems, count your blessings and then help someone who suffers needlessly. How can you help?  Parade your pet, have some fun, and make a donation. Don't  have a pet? Come and watch! 

The Patchogue Pet Parade was a blast last year and will be even better this year: longer route, more vendors, goodie bags for all registrants, pet costume contest at the end of the parade. Meet behind the Congregational Church of Patchogue, 95 East Main Street, a few doors east of  the  Patchogue Theater.  Main Street will be  closed for the parade. But our hearts and our eyes will be wide open!