Washington, DC, September 23, 2008
Wounded Soldiers, Adoptable Animals and “Personal Ponies” Gather for Annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4
Back to Press Releases »Wounded soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, participants in a new “Dog Tags” program, are some of the special guests at this year’s Annual Blessing of the Animals at Washington National Cathedral.
The soldiers mentor with Washington Humane Society (WHS) dog training professionals in a certificate-based curriculum, giving them an opportunity to pursue future careers in animal training, care and welfare. The adoptable dogs receive nurturing while benefiting from the humane, motivational methods used. WHS’ mobile adoption unit will be on the Cathedral grounds.
Special four-legged guests also include UK Shetland ponies from Chasin Dreams Farm located in Barnesville, Maryland. The ponies are used in the national “Personal Ponies” program, helping “differently-able” children discover magic by providing care for the diminutive equines.
Adoptable dogs from Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL), a humane shelter that rescues cats and dogs from overburdened shelters in thirteen states, will be in attendance, too. WARL offers reduced cost veterinary care to low income District residents as well as provides free spay/neuter services to all dog and cat owners, regardless of income, that reside inside the Beltway. Humane education programs are also given by WARL staff throughout city public schools
“On this Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, we will remember the exemplary life of St. Francis and his great love for the most vulnerable of creatures,” commented Carol Wade, Cathedral canon precentor. “As Gandhi said, ‘The moral progress of a nation can be judged by the way it treats its animals.’”
On Oct. 4, beginning at 2 pm, all special guests will be available for media interviews and to meet the public.
A brief prayer service followed by individual blessings for the public’s companion animals begin at 2:30 pm in the courtyard located at the steps of the Cathedral, Wisconsin Avenue side.
The public and their companion animals are welcome.
SOURCE: Washington National Cathedral