For more information: Rosanne Desmone, 703.946.3820
Blessing of the Animals and Community Pet Fair Oct. 6
The Saint Francis Pet Ministry of Christ Episcopal Church (8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania) is sponsoring its Blessing of the Animals and 2nd Annual Community Pet Fair in honor of St. Francis. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar, beloved saint, and one of the most venerated individuals in Christian history, who is widely known for his love of nature and animals. His feast day (Oct. 4) is often observed with a service of the Blessing of the Animals. Please join us on Oct. 6 for our Blessing of the Animals service and Community Pet Fair. The event is open to all pets and humans in the community. We hope to see you there!
Bring all your pets! Dogs, cats, birds, turtles, hamsters, etc… stuffed and plush animals… photos if your pets can’t make it… even pet remains. Come even if you don’t have a pet to bless and just want to be part of this wonderful event and see all these critters gathered. There will be treats for pets and humans alike to enjoy.
***Please be sure that your pets are under control and are up-to-date on their vaccines for their safety and the safety of all the pets and humans!
In addition to the blessing service, several local animal organizations will be on site to share information, answer your questions, and demonstrate what they do for pets and other animals. Groups participating in this year’s 2nd Annual Community Pet Fair include the following:
AdvoCats Rescue – a small volunteer foster-based rescue group that not only helps with local surrendered and orphaned cats but engages in TNR (trap / neuter / return).
Homepage – AdvoCats Life
Awesome Possumz – provides info on the natural history of the Virginia opossum, their “super powers,” where they live and what they eat, how they help the environment, and how YOU can help opossums. Plus you can meet one or more of these possum ambassadors.
Meet The Ambassadors – Awesome Possumz, LLC
Animal Awareness & Assistance is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides education and resources to assist people in better caring for their animals. They do this by disseminating information about animal care, spreading the word about educational events, and providing assistance as needed in difficult circumstances.
Animal Awareness & Assistance – Fredericksburg, VA (animalaa.org)
Blue Gray Therapy Dogs is a group of more than 80 therapy dog teams from Fredericksburg, Stafford, King George, Westmoreland and Spotsylvania counties who share love and provide comfort to the surrounding community through a variety of animal-assisted therapy programs and activities. Throughout the year the group participates in parades, health and educational fairs and exhibits; church animal ministries; visits to nursing homes; local hospitals; homeless shelters and adult day care centers.
Blue Gray Therapy Dogs (bluegreytherapydogs.org)
Compassion Animal Rescue – The group’s mission is to prevent the cruelty of animals by rescuing and caring for stray, abandoned, neglected, abused, and injured animals. Our desire is to CARE for animals by providing medical treatment, micro-chipping, spay/neuter and nurturing foster care homes before they are placed in forever homes. In addition, we will provide education to the community on the importance of spay/neuter and proper health and behavioral care for dogs.
Compassion Animal RescuE
Exotic Animals from the Animal Control division of the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Dept – This exotic animal display was a hit at last year’s fair. The stars of the show were the snakes, which will be back this year.
Friends of Wildlife at the Lake – The mission of Friends of Wildlife at the Lake is to foster positive relationships between Lake of the Woods’ residents and the wildlife that coexist here, to help preserve and protect habitats and species, and to offer assistance to residents and the Association in gaining a deeper understanding of the natural environment in our community. Today, the information they provide helps groups in the area protect their wildlife as well.
HOME | Friends Of Wildlife (fowloflow.org)
K9 Units of the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Dept. – The department is sending three K9 teams to the Community Pet Fair. These dogs, which help enforce the law and apprehend criminals, and their handlers were a hit with everyone last year.
Old Dominion Humane Society provides well-matched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.
HOME | ODHS (olddominionhumanesociety.org)
Petty Pawz Rescue’s mission to assist and rescue as many shelter companions as they can comfortably help while still complying with Virginia laws and regulations. They are always looking for ways to improve their operation for the benefit of the animals and the community. They will be bringing dogs and cats (depending on what they have available for adoption at the time) that are available for adoption and also information about what they do for those who want to adopt or foster through their rescue program.
About | Petty Pawz Rescue
Pup ‘n’ Iron Canine Enrichment Center specializes in showing a dog how to live peacefully and harmoniously in your household. Pup ‘N Iron follows the guidelines for humane training called for by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists (AVSAB). They will present a demonstration of this training at the fair.
See Spot Run, Jump, Play & Learn (pupniron.com)
SFC Virginia (Squishy Face Crew) is a foster-focused animal rescue group in Fredericksburg, VA. Founded in June 2019 with the goal of saving dogs and cats from rural and otherwise underserved shelters in the state, SFC provides quality medical care including vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries, finds permanent adoptive homes in our area.
SFC Virginia – Our Pets (sfcva.org)
SPCA of Fredericksburg will provide information on their adoption process and other programs. They can help you find an animal to meet your needs and create that special bond.
Home – Fredericksburg SPCA (fredspca.org)
Virginia Veterinary Centers is an emergency and specialty animal hospital located in Fredericksburg’s Central Park, with additional locations in Richmond and Midlothian. They will participate in the fair and have giveaway items and information about pet health and safety, including what to do in an emergency. To learn more about Virginia Veterinary Centers’ hours and services, please visit them online at virginiavetcenters.com.
Veterinary Rehabilitation Services of Virginia helps animals recover from injury, illness, or surgery and live comfortably through all stages of life with the use of skilled rehabilitation therapy.