St. Cyprian's, Lufkin, Shares Lessons Learned
Jayne McCurry, of St. Cyprian's, Lufkin wrote to us, sharing new ideas and lessons learned over several years of pet blessings. Read her note below:
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This is our third year to have a blessing of the animals where we have invited the Lufkin Community. The response has been phenomenal! We invite the Humane Society and several local non-profits to join us providing them with a "booth." The booth is a tent with table and chairs that our members and guests may stop by and receive further information or just visit with the animals. Each non-profit may speak to all attendees on the sound system for about 5 minutes.
This year we invited a local veterinarian that is new to our area. Also, we have a booth that shows a demonstration of dogs training on an obstacle course. We have a horse drawn carriage, face painting, hot dogs, and of course our look-a-like pet contest and best dressed pet.
We usually have it from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the last 30 minutes being devoted to blessing all the animals. Each pet receives a medallion. We include the St. Cyprians' school children by asking them to collect dog food, leashes, newspaper, etc. for the animal shelters during the month of September.
Our youth help with parking and other jobs such as keeping cool water available for all the pets. We have an article in the paper with a picture and put reminders in our bulletin, e-news, and PR radio announcements.
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Thanks, Jayne!