2008 November > Pet Blessing & Dog Parade

Saturday October 4, 2008 was a uniquely fun- filled day for the congregation of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church near Streetsville, Mississauga. It was the day to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of pets. The festivities began with 9 a.m. mass, followed by the pet blessing outside in the parking lot. Here, the excitement, the fellowship, the energy, the community amongst the members of the congregation and their pets filled the air like a warm summer breeze on this cool October morning. Raffle tickets to win various prize baskets, each filled with an assortment of pet treats sure to bring joy to many pets and their owners, were sold. Proceeds from the raffle ticket sales went to charity. The pet blessing was then followed by the much anticipated dog parade, where owners and their dogs had a chance to strut their stuff! The event concluded with the raffle draw and awards for the top three in each of the following categories: best Thanksgiving costume, owner-dog look-a-like and best tail wag. With such a successful turnout this year, organizer Linda Hogan promises next year will be even bigger and better!