Danvers set to celebrate annual Blessing of the Animals event

To celebrate animals and to emphasize their importance as spiritual beings, Calvary Episcopal Church will sponsor the 9th annual Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 1 at Endicott Park in Danvers, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine.

The Blessing coincides with the annual Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology.

The Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas, Calvary’s rector, will preside over the event that welcomes all. Rev. Thea will offer hands-on blessings for all animals who attend and she will also bless photographs and paper prayers for those animals who are unable to attend.

Deb Helfrich, from Therapy Dogs of Vermont, will once again provide free screenings to determine whether dogs have the tolerant temperament to serve as therapy dogs in health care facilities. Animal welcome organizations will be represented, including the German Shepherd Resource and Rescue Center, the Humane Society of the U.S., and animal care vendors, including North Shore Dog, PetLife pet stores, Fit and Trim Agility, Friends of Danvers Dog Park, Perfect Paws Pet Ministry and Danvers Animal Hospital, among others.

 The free event is open to the public, though a parking fee ($1 for Danvers residents, $3 for nonresidents) is required.

 For more information, please contact Fran Weil at 978-869-7258