Special to The Tribune
Dogs and cats and goldfish … oh my!
All animal lovers from the Tri-Lakes area are invited to the
first annual blessing of the animals and pet parade at 3 p.m. Oct.
12 at The Church at Woodmoor, located at the corner of Colo. 105
and Furrow Road in Monument. This celebration takes place just one
week after the Feast Day of Francis of Assisi and affirms his
understanding of all of creation as a sacred gift from God.
The gathering will begin at the storm pavilion in the church’s
back parking lot. Young people will be invited to participate in a
pet parade up to the Columbine Glen outdoor worship space where
Pastor Ellen Fenter and the youth of the church will offer a short
service and blessings on all animals. St. Francis medals will be
given to those present for their pet’s collar, cage or bowl.
There is no charge for this event.
In Preparation For the Blessing of the Animals:
If You Can …
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your
troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for
it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give
you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you
when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct
him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor
friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no
prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your pet!
— author unknown