Press release from Mills River Presbyterian Church:
On Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, Mills River Presbyterian Church will host the 10th Annual Blessing of the Pets at 10 a.m. on the church grounds for all types of pets — dogs, cats, rabbits and even guinea pigs!
Residents of Henderson County and throughout Asheville are invited to bring their cherished pets to the outdoor blessing. The half-hour service celebrates the life of both current and former pets.
The service includes tributes to pets lost during the past year, adopted animals and rescued pets. A free will love offering called the “Dog Bowl Donation” will be collected during the service to benefit the New Hope program at Blue Ridge Humane Society.
The popular pet blessing event is held on the front lawn of the church, and people should bring chairs or blankets. Dogs should be on leashes and cats in crates.
“Whether you have a pet that is brand new to your family or has come to the pet blessing in the past, everyone is invited to participate,” says Randall Boggs, pastor at Mills River Presbyterian Church. “Pets play such a vital role in our lives. They’re our comforters, companions and friends. This special time together pays tribute to them and all the joy they bring us on a daily basis.”
As is the tradition with the event, each pet will receive their own personal blessing from Boggs. Special messages, prayers and readings will be shared during the service.
Blue Ridge Humane Society was again selected as the beneficiary of the Dog Bowl Donation fund based on their commitment to helping match people and adoptable animals in our area.
“So far in 2018 we’ve adopted out more than 891 animals, which is a higher number than last year,” says Lutrelle O’Cain, executive director of Blue Ridge Humane Society. “We’re always eager to make more ‘furever matches’ with dedicated pet owners. Many of the pets at this event have been adopted from local organizations. This is one of our favorite events because it shows the true dedication and love of animals that people have for their companion pets.”
The Blue Ridge Humane Society is dedicated to reducing the overpopulation of companion animals in Henderson County and to improving their quality of life through adoption, collaboration, and community education. The organization has been in existence for 67 years. The New Hope fund supports the transition and assistance of dogs with special needs from the Henderson County Animal Services facility in Hendersonville to Blue Ridge Humane Society for adoption. For more details, visit www.blueridgehumane.org.
Mills River Presbyterian Church is located at 10 Presbyterian Church Road in Mills River, accessible from Haywood Road or Highway 280. For more information, call 828-891-7101 or visit www.millsriverpresbyterianchurch.com.
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