The Unity Church will hold the first local interfaith outdoor service for pet lovers on September 28th, 2014 at 1:10 pm on their grounds at 3023 Proctor Road.
The service will be held in conjunction with the Unity’s Annual Pet Blessing event. Participants are encouraged to bring well-behaved leashed dogs, and other pets for this abbreviated service that will focus on the human and companion animal bond.
Blessings of the Animals or Pet Blessings are held at religious organizations across the county each Fall. St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals, started the tradition. St. Francis’ philosophy was that through our connection with animals we are at one and in harmony with the world.
“The Pet Blessing is our way of reaching out to all members of the community. In Sarasota, particularly there is a strong bond between people and their pets. At the Blessing, we offer a calm and peaceful environment for people to bring their pets”, Amy Zehe, Unity’s Assistant Minister stated. 
She further explained, “People of all faiths are welcome to enjoy this celebration of life for our pets today and those from the past. A “Feather Tree on the property will honor pets that are no longer here”. Unity Chaplains will be available to bless each individual pet and receive a small gift.
In addition to the service, a variety of local business people will be on hand to help residents deepen their relationship with their pets. An interactive agility demonstration, an animal communicator, a pet photographer and other pet-related services will educate and inform attendees. Food will be available from Goodfella’s Pizza.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for the service and water will be out for all pets. Doggie bags will be available.