Who will show up for Blessing of the Animals, Sept. 11?

You never know who’s going to be hanging around for Ivy Chapel’s annual Blessing of the Animals. Dogs, cats, ferrets, turtles — and yes, even caterpillars have been known to show up. Will you be there this year?

The 2010 Blessing of the Animals will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. All God’s Creatures (properly restrained, of course) are welcome. A free-will offering will benefit Ride on St. Louis, which provides equine-assisted therapies for developmentally and physically disabled youth and adults.

Need more information? E-mail Ivy Chapel for full details.

Want to help us promote the event? Click here to download and share the flyer.

Thanks to all the creatures who joined us…

Dogs and cats — and even a rabbit, hampster and Russian tortoise — descended on Ivy Chapel in record numbers on Sept. 12th for the Blessing of the Animals.

This was Ivy’s ninth year for the Blessing of the Animals, and it was the busiest yet. It was also the ninth straight year we have been fortunate to have perfect weather.

This year, we were proud to accept donations for C.H.A.M.P. assistance dogs. Donations will ensure C.H.A.M.P. will be able to continue providing service dogs free of charge to adults and children with disabilities.

Thank you to everyone who shared their pets with us… and see you next year!

Here’s a short video of Moose the Russian tortoise, who stopped by to be blessed and to sample Ivy’s turf…

Click on the photo below to view our photo album from the 2009 Blessing of the Animals at Ivy Chapel. If you would like hi-res versions of any of these photos, please e-mail the Ivy Chapel webmaster.