On the day before the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, the weather was California autumn beautiful, despite predictions of rain. The eighth annual Blessing of the Animals, presented by Haute Dogs, was a holy pilgrimage: across-the-kingdom species from kittens to kinkajous; three-legged, dogs, two-legged dogs and all tired, poor and cuddly masses yearning to be healed; and over 300 humans and their pets—mostly dogs, actually—who came at least as far as Victorville to line up and receive blessings from seven ministers. It was—well, downright biblical.


A short section of one of several lines to the ministers.

The Blessing took place Oct. 3 on the grassy area north of Marine Stadium. Vendors, rescues and pet-oriented organizations formed a circle around the Blessing site, where seven ministers from different faith organizations performed blessings. According to organizer Justin Rudd, this blessing is the second largest in the country held in conjunction with St. Francis Day.


In foreground: Father Sean Flanagan of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Long Beach. In background, from left, Jamie Jones, Lady Deberah and Rev. Ava of the Goddess Temple in Orange County; Rev. Msgr. Chris Carpenter. pastor of the Reformed Catholic Church Community of the Resurrection; and Justin Rudd, event organizer. Not pictured: Lacey Kruger, children’s pastor at Parkcrest Church, Long Beach, and Rev. Suzanne Shipp, ordained with the Universal Life Church, Long Beach

This year, there were no lions to lie down with lambs (there weren’t any lambs, either), but there was plenty of Long Beach-style diversity. The Aquarium of the Pacific introduced a California desert tortoise and a kestrel falcon, and the Wildlife Learning Center of Sylmar brought a number of exotic animals: a kinkajou, a Eurasian tawny owl, two snakes, a squirrel monkey, a monitor lizard and a gorgeous serval, which is a medium-size African wildcat bearing both stripes and spots. People brought parrots, lovebirds, cats, horses, hamsters, dogs as big as horses and as small as hamsters.

“We are people of many faiths,” Father Flanagan said. “Animals have no denominations or lines.”

In this embracing spirit, the animals were blessed:


The Aquarium’s Staci Peters and Kristen Marshall with Orion the kestrel falcon and Borrego the California desert tortoise.


Peepers the squirrel monkey


Taffy receives First Corgi Communion…


…as the greyhounds genuflect.


Horses great and small


Kitties


Oneg Shabbat with a hedgehog


Lady Deberah and Rev. Ava in benediction as the sweet supplicant looks skyward


A minister’s life can present many challenges. Just ask Rev. Carpenter


Lacey Krueger blesses Justin Rudd’s Rosie, who is arguably the most blessed dog in the Shore

There was also a competition for cutest and “ugliest” dog (the winner of the latter was not ugly), and a Chihuahua beauty contest. Willa, a Chihuahua who had been born with no front legs (see Virtually Pets: Adoption below) won second place in the beauty contest.

We’ve often wondered why animals need to be blessed when we humans have caused all the grief. Jamie Jones of the Orange County Goddess temple said that the “companion friends are a blessing to us,” and so, blessings are due in return. We can’t argue with that, but we also liked what Simone and David Rasmussen, who drove in from Santa Barbara with their dogs Roxy, Poncho and Beulah, had to say.

“We need all the extra help we can get!”

(As you can see, one of us isn’t the greatest photog in the world. For nicer pictures, visit this site)

“May the animals be an example that peaceful coexistence can exist in the world.”
– Father Sean Flanagan

Virtually Pets: Adoption


Willa and Webster, two Chihuahua puppies from the same litter, were pulled out of a shelter where they had been dumped. Both dogs were born with no front legs, and the rescuer believes that it had been caused by inbreeding. The dogs are sweet and playful; as soon as the rescue gets them carts so that they can be more mobile, they will be ready for a forever home with a special human. If that’s you, visit this website.


Gianna was too intent on having her belly rubbed to pose, but she’s even cuter standing up. Side and rear views will put you in mind of a small skunk, which could work to your favor if you need a watchdog. She’s cuddly and affectionate. She can be adopted through this website.

Other adoption and adoption-related rescues that were present at the Interfaith Blessing are:

Oct. 9, Compassionate Cuisine
Come to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB for a celebration of World Vegetarian Day, with tastes of delicious vegetarian cuisine from many nationalities and ethnicities—all cruelty free. There will be music—including the Irvine Young Symphony, which played at the Beijing Olympics—raffles, special guest presentations and more. Reservations required—$35 per person includes food (there is a charge for beer and wine). Click here for information and reservations.

Oct. 18, Long Beach Walk for Farm Animals
Take your compassion to the streets with other concerned Long Beach residents and their friends to raise awareness about the plight of farm animals as well as vital funds for Farm Sanctuary’s rescue, education and advocacy work. Your $15 registration fee entitles you to a limited edition 2009 Walk T-shirt, designed by Herbivore Clothing Company Founder Josh Hooten. To reserve your shirt, make sure to register by September 25. If you can’t join the Walk, please consider a donation. Click here for more info. Farm animals need people like you to spread the word about what’s happening to them on factory farms.

Oct. 31, Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade
This year, Halloween actually falls on a Saturday! On Halloween Day, at 2:30 p.m., the ninth annual parade will start and finish at Livingston Park, 4900 E. Livingston Dr. at Park Ave. in Belmont Shore (be at the corner of Livingston Drive by 2:20 p.m., and don’t forget to bring your registration slip. The new six-block sidewalk parade route travels down the middle of Park Avenue from Livingston Drive to 2nd Street, heads east on the sidewalk along the north side of 2nd Street, hangs a right on the sidewalk along the south side of Livingston Drive in front of the park’s playground and empties back in to the park. The parade expects 600-plus dressed-up dogs and lasts about an hour. Bring your own folding chair or rent one on Park Avenue for just $5. All proceeds go to the Community Action Team (CAT). Kids in costume are invited to lead the parade and are eligible to win a prize! There will also be vendors and an adoption fair. Click here for details.

Ongoing—Pet Literacy at ACS
Pet Literacy is a City of Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) program at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village. The program promotes humane treatment, socialization of animals, creating a connection between animals and humans, and literacy through reading aloud to the animals. Wednesdays–Sundays, 2–3 p.m., 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach