Monday, May 03, 1999
Blessed are the animals of N.Ky.
Ceremony starts 'Be Kind' week
BY SUSAN VELA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON — A small parade of dogs, with their owners in tow, sallied up to a Boone Woods Park pavilion Sunday for the first blessing of the day.
The Rev. Robert Golden of Greenview Baptist Church and the Rev. Jerome Britt and deacon Richard O'Donnell of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church were there to bless the animals and to pray for the creatures who bring help, joy and companionship to so many.
“God's interest just isn't limited to humans,” said Dawn Paugh, president of Erlanger-based Humane Society of Kentucky Inc.
The group organized Sunday's interdenominational blessing as a way to kick off a local celebration of national Be Kind to Animals Week, May 2-8.
The blessing seemed like a good way to highlight the value of owning a pet, treating it properly and encouraging others to do the same, Ms. Paugh said.
The Rev. Mr. Britt, who has three dogs and two birds of his own, agreed.
“People love their pets,” he said. “One of the ways they show their love for them is by bringing them to a blessing.”
Dogs, cats and other pets were welcome at the two-hour event.
Ron and Melissa Inabnit of Erlanger felt better after Mr. O'Donnell laid his hands on the head of their 2-year-old golden retriever, Albert, and blessed him.
“It's comforting,” said Mr. Inabnit, holding onto Albert's leash. His wife carried the couple's 9-month-old daughter, Meghan.
The couple agreed that Albert is a vital member of their young family. “We love him so much,” said Mrs. Inabnit. “He's a blessing (and) an angel.”
Ann Murrie Thompson, 19, of Florence brought Foxy Lady, an American Eskimo, to the blessing. The young dog was rescued from a Gallatin County puppy mill in February.
Foxy Lady has become braver and healthier under the Thompson family's care. But Ms. Thompson figured Sunday's blessing could spur along the dog's recovery and help christen her new life.
“I got baptized,” she said. “Everyone else should get baptized.”
Sunday's event also featured information on proper pet care.
Humane Society of Kentucky Inc. promotes spaying and neutering, places homeless animals and works toward building a regional shelter. For information, call (606) 342-4759.
Messages often leave drivers in the dark
You can dial up the path of least resistance
ARTIMIS services manage 88 miles of freeway traffic
Issue 4 divides interest groups
Lessons from the master
Levies allow extra money
Teachers get news by mail: You're fired
Bridge gets new lease on life
Partners' aquarium dream 10 years old
Author says peace comes from within
Millionaire doesn't take trial chance
Oldest, middle or baby?
Princeton to discuss tax levy
Blessed are the animals of N.Ky.
Middletown touts new sewers
River town making most of its levee
Rules on students hold up in court
GET TO IT
TRISTATE DIGEST
