Rev. Mark Winters of the Federated Church of Edgartown had never blessed a horse before. That all changed on Saturday, at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, when he blessed five horses, along with over a dozen dogs, two alpacas, one young goat named Arrow and even a gecko.
The annual Celebration of Pets and Blessing of Animals, which is hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter, welcomes all creatures great and small. Saturday’s event was led by Reverend Winters and retired minister Rev. Bill Eddy.
Lisa Dawley, manager of the animal shelter for the past 16 years, was accompanied by her rescue dog, Nellie. Ms. Dawley led attendees through several pet-related activities, including a “Good Citizen” behavioral test and an obstacle course created by Karen Ogden of Positive Rewards Dog Training out of West Tisbury.
While the first wave of pups and their humans were exploring the stations or lounging in the shade, their play was distracted by the sound of hooves clomping along Panhandle Road. Three horses and riders from Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center arrived, reminding onlookers that pets come in all shapes, sizes and breeds.
Moments later, the crew from Island Alpaca arrived with two alpacas, including new father Coco.
But the real showstopper was Freddy Fisher’s team of workhorses, Nelle and Belle, who provided wagon rides around the fairgrounds for dogs and humans alike.
The blessing of the animals was comprised of several animal-related Bible stories, including the first creation story of Genesis, the story of Noah’s ark and a reference to the proverbial sheep of the prophet Ezekial.
Reverend Eddy remarked that the celebration was open to “pets of all faith,” as they are “all God’s creatures,” and Reverend Winters praised pets as “a huge part of our lives.”
“They help us keep grounded, they help our mental health, they help our spiritual health, and they remind us of our connections to nature and help us live in the moment,” he told the crowd.
Whether seeking community, spiritual blessings or an excuse to provide their animals a change of scenery, owners seemed pleased to receive an invocation for their pets. The pets appeared to welcome the blessing too, as a volley of barks was unleashed immediately following the pastors’ words.
Donations at the event went to the Animal Shelter.
“It’s fundraising events like these that help the shelter remain an independent organization,” said president and founding member Diana Dozier.
The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard currently houses several animals looking for forever homes, including four dogs. Visit animalshelterofmv.org.
More pictures.https://vineyardgazette.com/photography/blessing-animals-great-and-small
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