In honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, Cape Coral residents can have their animals blessed this Sunday.

On Oct. 4, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter will host its inaugural “Blessing of the Pets” open to people and pets of all faith.

Due to demand, the shelter will put on two services where the public can bring their pets to be blessed by Pastor Wes Olds and Cindy Jones from Grace United Methodist Church or Rabbi Devora Buchen of Temple Beth Shalom.

This is an event near and dear to the shelter’s collective heart and something they’ve been looking forward to since opening.

“This was a dream of our founder, JoAnn Elardo, to hold an event like this,” said shelter Executive Director, Liz McCauley. “We have more than 100 people who have shown interest in participating.

“It will be an exciting day and an emotional one. We all love our pets like family so it’s nice that we can do something like this for them.”

The event will be outside of the facility and socially distanced. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and dogs must be on a leash at all times (no retractable leashes). Cats, critters, and other pets must be in a carrier.

“We have a big property here, it’s easy to spread everybody out,” McCauley said.

Each participant will receive a prayer card and St. Francis medallion. There also will be a bake sale, retail items for sale and a photo station.

“We’re looking forward to it and we appreciate the community support of the shelter and clinic,” McCauley said.

Those who are interested must RSVP to the shelter by emailing info@capecoralanimalshelter.com with the number of guests and pets. Participants will receive an email telling them which service they are to attend. The event begins at 4 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 6 p.m.

Cape Coral Animal Shelter is at 325 S.W. 2nd Ave. For more information, visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com.

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