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Our pets: Often a blessing in disguise
(by Katie Grasso - May 15, 2008)
It was a day of thanksgiving at the Bergen County Animal Shelter. Though no one devoured holiday fare, gratitude and appreciation were shared, as peoples’ acts of kindness and contributions toward furry little creatures were honored.
The Friends of the Bergen County Animal Shelter (FOCAS) held its Blessing of the Animals on May 4 at the Teterboro shelter, where more than 70 local pet owners and animal lovers came to celebrate their pets and have them literally blessed.
To some, this idea may seem a little strange, but to any devoted animal owner, a pet is more than an animal; it’s a family member. In addition to the blessings, FOCAS also took the opportunity to recognize the people in the community who have significantly contributed to their organization over the past year.
Carol Burrows, president of FOCAS, opened the event by thanking everyone for coming and quickly turned the microphone over to Rabbi Sharon Litwin, who offered five blessings for animals.
"Thank you for inspiring others to take care of our creatures - you display courage and an open heart ... and to the animals - thank you for coming into our lives," she said.
Captain Bill Sheehan, of Hackensack Riverkeeper, then addressed the crowd and offered an educational look at the Hackensack River and the wildlife that comprises it, offering around 260 different species of animals to the area. He also reminded the gathered pet lovers of the importance of contributing to groups like FOCAS.
"Unfortunately, the government often doesn't have enough money for these animals. It's not that they don't want to help more, but that they can't. So, oftentimes groups like FOCAS pick up a lot of the weight that the government cannot," he said.
"Trooper", the little Pekingese puppy who was thrown from a car window along Route 80 and rescued by FOCAS, was also there with her new family. Her story generated public attention, and the blessing event offered a chance for her to reunite with the State Trooper who found her, the Oradell Animal Hospital staff member who fostered her, and her new family.
Certificates of Commendation were also distributed to acknowledge the exceptional donations of individuals to FOCAS and its homeless animals. Trooper Nicholas Rubino (who found Trooper), and the Fay Family (who adopted Trooper) were recognized as well as Dawne Glazer (Oradell Animal Hospital employee who had fostered Trooper). Commander Fred Marston of the American Legion Post 310 in Little Ferry was also recognized for his help in securing the American Legion for past FOCAS Flea Markets. As an added surprise, Marston generously offered the Legion free of charge for the next Flea Market.
As a reminder that the love for animals spans generations, FOCAS also took the time to recognize some local children for their outstanding donations and service to help homeless animals. One little girl named Kaitlyn, after earning money for doing her chores, decided to donate half of the money earned to FOCAS. Cathe Ayvaz and Brownie Troop 1093 made and donated gift baskets for FOCAS fundraisers.
Two sisters, Isabelle and Harlie, who previously adopted a cat from FOCAS requested that guests of their birthday parties bring animal supplies rather than birthday presents for themselves.
The girls’ parents said: “They decided to do this on their own. They both have big hearts and they love animals, we’re very proud of them for doing this.”
Father Joe, a chaplain at the Bergen County Jail, took the microphone to begin his blessing over the animals for the 18th year in a row. In a solemn prayer, he reminded the audience to remember deceased, sick, lost and hunted animals. He also reminded it of the duty to take care of animals.
“… It is indeed proper for us to spend time, efforts and funds on a worth concern as the care of animals and pets so long as humans are not neglected … for all God’s creatures, including animals and pets, are worthy of our respect, our care and our love,” he said.
With that being said, animal owners lined up for Father Joe to bless their pets with holy water and a short prayer. He then made his way to the inside of the shelter to individually bless every single homeless animal (rabbits, cats and dogs), offering hope and a prayer for all of these lonely animals who so anxiously await a forever home of their own.
For more information on FOCAS events or the next Blessing of the Animals, call the FOCAS Helpline at 201-943-4019 or visit www.focas.us.
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