Church celebrates a day for pets
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 02:42 p.m., October 22, 2007
Updated 02:42 p.m., October 22, 2007
The lawn of First Christian Church, 202 E. 12th Ave., went to the dogs and even an opossum Sunday afternoon for an event that included an animal blessing.
The sun was shining bright, warming the air into the mid-60s, as animals and their owners took to the lawn. The H. Dale Buck Fund and the Emporia Animal Shelter had animals on site that were available for adoption, including puppies and kittens. Many pets also were brought in by their owners for the blessing.
The Rev. Bob Colerick, pastor of First Christian Church, blessed the animals at the conclusion of the program. Colerick said the afternoon was a celebration of pets and an opportunity to thank God for pets. The church first held the event in 2005 and it was so popular that they decided to have it again this year.
“With this kind of turnout, we will probably do it again,” Colerick said. “I think people do love it.”
During the program, several people spoke to the group. Dr. Duane Henrikson of Emporia Animal Hospital, 710 Anderson St., spoke to the group about food hazards and animal wellness. Henrikson said food like grapes, onions and chocolate can be harmful to pets, especially chocolate.
“The smaller the dog, the less it takes (to be toxic),” Henrikson said.
Eileen Holland, a dog obedience instructor, demonstrated dog obedience tactics to the group. Patrick Dieker of Olpe helped by getting his 3-year-old border collie, Tag, to jump through a hoop. Holland said when she got her dogs from an animal shelter, they were a mess. It was hard to see that Sunday afternoon as the dogs obeyed her commands without hesitation.
Holland encouraged pet owners to work with their own pets.
“Teach them and have fun,” she said. “Have fun with your dogs and try new things.”
Sheriff’s Detective Travis Mishler was on hand Sunday afternoon with Talon, a dog trained to search out evidence, including drugs. Mishler raised Talon himself, after bringing him over from Germany. Mishler’s dog even has its own bullet-proof vest for dangerous situations.
“He does have one,” he said, after an audience member inquired about the vest. “He has a higher protection that I do.”
Several contests were held throughout the afternoon including the most unusual pet. The honor went to James Bordonaro and his opossum that he found on 15th Avenue several days ago. The opossum had been hit by a car and lost a lot of blood. Bordonaro said he hopes to release the animal back into the wild when it is strong enough.
The event ended with the pet blessing. Emporian Jan Jones had her white poodle, Ellie Mae, blessed.
“She’s a lot of comfort and joy,” Jones said, of her pet. “She’s always there.”
Jones said Ellie Mae was a stray before she took the dog in.
MiChielle Cooper, of the Buck Fund, announced this year’s Paws to Give Fund & Supply Drive. Pamphlets were handed out encouraging people to donate money or supplies to the Buck Fund. The drive runs from Nov. 5 to Jan. 5, 2008, to help care for homeless pets that are expected to enter foster homes this next year.
For a monetary donation, pet owners can provide a photo of their pets and it will be framed and featured on the Buck Fund Christmas Tree in the Flinthills Mall. Donations and photos can be mailed to P.O. Box 1613, Emporia KS 66801. Call 343-3377 to have donated supplies picked up. A complete list of needed items can be found at www.buckfund.petfinder.com.