The skies were grey and threatening, scattered drops of rain dropped heavily on the windshields of cars as they pulled into the parking lot of St. Albert the Great Church, Wallings Road. Pets and people left the shelter of the cars wondering if a quick change of venue would be necessary. It must have been the grace of St. Francis of Assisi that held the raindrops within the clouds. A small patch of blue appeared through the clouds and widened to allow the sun to shine on the gathering of pets and families on the front lawn of St. Albert the Great School.
Pets and their owners mingled and greeted each other on the lawn. A happy crowd of dogs and the families to whom they belong came together for a blessing especially for them, a blessing of the pets. In honor of St. Francis of Assisi many parishes throughout the United States hold a short celebration ceremony to honor the love and service our pets bring to our lives. St. Francis is one of the Patron Saints of Dogs. A story of St. Francis tells how he negotiated a peace between a village and a wolf that was preying upon the livestock and threatened children. St. Francis made peace; the wolf became a well fed village pet and the children need never fear going into the forest because the wolf was there to protect them. The descendants of the wolf, our wonderful dogs, continue in their roles as protectors, therapists, service companions, rescue team members and loyal loving family members. The entire nation of Nepal has a national holiday to honor dogs for these same reasons. We love our pets.
This year’s attendees included dozens of dogs, two cats, one bunny, a frog, a small crab, and one miniature horse who came in the back of an SUV. The horse’s young owner, Carter Ward. said her name was, “Farrah.” His mom Tracy said, “she was named after Farrah Fawcett, who also had a famous mane” Six-year-old Max, a jet black shepherd lab mix, came with his owner, Bruce, who explained, “Max’s front is all shepherd you can tell by his ears. His tail is all lab.” Special pet correspondent, Harvard Kwarciany was seen greeting as many dogs as he could. Steve Kovach waited with his well-mannered Welsh springer spaniel, Brady. Brady had the long red hair of an Irish setter with the white of a spaniel. There were lots of little dogs and plenty of medium dogs and one very large black chow whose name was Li Kim. He and his owner, Len Tomsik, volunteer at Cleveland Clinic Strongsville in the K-9 caring program. The Hechko boys, Alex and Ben, brought their dogs; River, an unusual Hungarian Vizsula, and a regular lab named Kali.
The blessing began with scripture readings and a song. Fr. Edward Estok, pastor, assisted by Fr. Joe Kim blessed them all great and small then walked among the attendees with a good dose of Holy Water.
Pet treats were provided by North Royalton Animal Hospital, 9027 Ridge Road, and 440-237-7691. NR Animal Hospital, the 2015 AAHA practice of the year, believes in “fostering the bonds between pets and families.” Humans had treats too; delicious donuts and cider. Many people donated items for the food pantry.
Father Estok, with his dog Buddy, and Fr. Kim thanked the liturgy committee, singers, sponsor North Royalton Animal Hospital, and all pet owners for coming to the annual pet blessing. When the cars were filled and drove away the sky got dark and cloudy, threatening those large raindrops again.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer