September 22, 2004

Prayers for pooches

40 dogs turn out for Blessing of the Pets held at the Village Commons

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer

       The heat, sweat and dust did not dent       Shelties and Terriers, Corgis and Beagles - dogs of all breeds and sizes gathered Saturday morning for a Blessing of the Pets.
      Held on the grounds of the Village Commons, the event drew approximately 40 dogs for special attention from Rev. Corey Sanderson of the Potter's House United Church of Christ. Pet-Safe Rescue Alliance co-sponsored the event and also hosted a variety of games and contests during the morning.
      "We just thought it would be a fun thing to do," said Sanderson, who moved here with his family in November to found the church. "A lot of churches do a blessing of the pets, but it's usually for the people who belong to the church."
      Sanderson said that pets offer humans a special blessing of their own.
      "Animals reflect unconditional love," he noted.
      In small groups as they arrived, Sanderson led pet owners in blessing a pitcher of water. He then poured this water into a special cup and dribbled a few drops onto each pet while reciting a blessing. The dogs took the attention in stride, ignoring it for the most part, while the owners received a certificate for their attendance.
      Paul Ozanich and Karen Schultz of Traverse City brought their two dogs for a blessing: Roxanne, a Sheltie, and Murphy, a part Bichon Frise who is a rescued dog.
      "We heard about the event and we thought it would be fun," Ozanich said.
      The sole cat in attendance was Cindy, a small, loving black cat who had a front leg amputated. Pet-Safe members rescued Cindy, whose leg had been crushed by a cinder block - hence the name Cindy - and paid for her veterinary care. Cindy lived with a foster family until she was healthy enough for adoption. She joined her new family on Saturday morning.
      "These animals need us, another bowl on the floor is no matter to us," said Therese Ellis, who along with her husband, Bill are adopting Cindy.
      Bill Ellis cuddled Cindy, who purred and alertly looked around, undaunted by the many dogs or their barking. The Ellis home already has three cats, one a rescue and one a stray. They also own two dogs, including a rescued Beagle who has had a rear leg amputated.
      "We kind of worked at a pet rescue group in Virginia and we just moved up her in May," said Therese Ellis, noting that losing a hind leg affects mobility less than a front one.
      Success stories like Cindy motivate the more than 100 volunteer foster homes in the Pet-Safe Rescue Alliance network. The organization began in March 2002, determined to offer a 'no-kill' option in the area. They devote their energy and fundraising to helping rescue animals, cats and dogs that a standard shelter would usually euthanize because of medical issues.
      Doris Schenk of Interlochen co-founded the group and is one of the foster homes. She has 41 cats, one dog and one bunny living with her, although the roster changes over time.
      "The typical stay for cats is three or four weeks or so," she said. "One we've had since the beginning, it just depends."
      Schenk agreed with Sanderson about the unconditional love that these animals offer, especially rescued ones.
      "Most of the time, rescued animals are very frightened at first and then they are very thankful that they're getting a second chance," she said. "There is a passion in my heart to help these animals, otherwise what would they have?"