INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Amidst the yips, meows and woofs, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County conducted its annual Blessing of the Animals under the pavilion in conjunction with National Be Kind to Animals Week.
“A pet can be a true companion,” Humane Society Executive Director Chalmers Morse told the crowd of more than 100 who brought their dogs and cats out to the event. “The bond between us and pets is unlike any other.”
Among those in attendance was Brenda Ohl, of Winter Beach, who brought her mother, Evelyn Hasenzahl, and her two dogs, 11-year-old Phoebe and 12-year-old Bailey.
This would be Phoebe’s last blessing at the Humane Society, Ohl said, explaining that the Jack Russell Terrier-Beagle mix has congestive heart failure and the vet had given her six months – six months ago.
“She’s been blessed all along,” Ohl said of Phoebe. Ohl had checked with the vet before bringing Phoebe to the blessing. The vet warned her that Phoebe could have a stroke or blood clot come loose.
Ohl said that if the worst were to happen while at the blessing, Phoebe would be surrounded by other dogs and those who love them.
Others seeking a blessing at the event included Judith Taylor and Sandy Thiel, who brought Marmalady, an orange Tabby-mix. Without a carrier, Marmalady curled up on the Thiel’s lap quite relaxed, despite the sniffs from passing dogs.
“She’s fine,” Thiel said, marveling at that realization given Marmalady’s never really been around other animals.
Taylor and Thiel volunteer at the Humane Society but this was a first for them, attending the blessing. Before now, they did not have an animal to bring.
“It’s very touching,” Taylor said of the Blessing of the Animals event.
Lynn and Bob Kirby, of Vero Beach, brought their 4-pack of Dachshunds to the blessing, an event they haven’t missed in the last six or seven years.
Five-year-old Sassy is the leader of the pack, the Kirbys said, noting she’s older and smarter than the rest. Izzy Bella Blu, 1, is the mouthy one – a fact they realized for the first time at the blessing. They also had 5-year-old Scarlett and 1-year-old Godiva in tow.
The Kirbys are supporters of the Humane Society and often donate sheets and towels they’ve picked up at yard sales, they said.
The non-denominational blessing was led by Rev. Deacon Lew Gwyn, of Trinity Episcopal Church and Rev. Mindy Serafin, Chaplain at Indian River Medical Center.
“Don’t tell anyone, but this is my favorite church service of the year,” Rev. Deacon Gwyn said. He explained that it’s the one service during which congregates need not be repentant for what they’ve done, nor are they asking God for anything in particular.
This service is “100 percent about thanking God for the gift of animals in our lives,” he said.
Pets bring happiness into their humans’ lives, helping them to forget their troubles as humans focus their attention to the animals.
“Never forget to tell your pets how much you love them, and how much you care for them,” Rev. Deacon Gwyn said.
