Blessing of the Animals and Pet Adoptathon

Dogs, Cats, Hamsters, Horses, Oh, My!!

The procession of animals will begin again this year at the Franciscan Renewal Center on October 24 and 25. Why are they all making their way here to these sacred grounds? The Blessing of the Animals, of course!

This custom is continued in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. St. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved to watch the larks fly about his hilltop town of Assisi. One time, Francis and his brothers of men were staying in a small hovel and they even made room for a donkey.

St. Francis truly loved ALL creatures great and small. He wrote a "Canticle of Creatures" which is an ode to all of God's living things.

If you haven't been to the St. Francis Festival, you have certainly missed a most special event-a celebration of God's special creatures.

Mark your calendar and join us for a day of fun, pet adoptions, laughter, food, pet blessings and a day to celebrate the special bond we have with our furry friends.

Event Date: October 24 and 25, 2009 from 10am-3pm (Blessing of the Animals @ noon and 2pm both days)

• Event Location: Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley
• Free Admission, free parking, family priced food and fun!
• This is the largest pet adoption event in Arizona
• Check out our PDF flyer

This will be the 16th year for this annual event at the Casa, the Franciscan Renewal Center. Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911) will be coordinating the participation of over 65 rescue and adoption groups. Over 2000 animals of all kinds will be blessed in this annual tradition at the Casa. The blessings will be conducted at noon and 2pm by the Franciscan Friars. We expect to have over 3000 participants and visitors in attendance, 5000 if you count the animals! Over 400 pets will be adopted or fostered as a result of the event. This is the most productive event in the state for adoptions and by far and the largest in the southwest! Come join us!

There will be a benefit dog wash for the PACC911 emergency medical fund. Hundreds of dogs will be washed to help support this crucial need.

* The Franciscan Renewal Center, The Casa, See: The Casa Organization 480-948-7460 #155

* Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC 911) , formally Pets 911, is an animal advocacy group that provides medical resources to pets in need.

Hi, I'm Jack. I'm old, arthritic and I have cancer, but each day I'm grateful to be alive because I love being with my family: mom, Michelle, Sarah, Asher and Zepran. I've seen them through a lot of tough stuff... death of a good friend, divorce, and a big move from California. Asher says I'm the best comforter ever!

(A sad note: Jack just passed away, but his memory and spirit are with his family as they will look for a new family friend at the Festival.

Co-Mascot: Chloe

Chloe is 2 years and 3 months old. We first met Chloe at the Casa's pet adoption day, March 2008, where we fell in love with her and her with us. From the best we can tell, she is part chocolate lab and part beagle, with a real dominance of the chocolate lab look and temperament, but with the beagle size. Everyone who meets her thinks she is a puppy. She weighs 21 pounds and is a loving, loyal companion who goes everywhere with me. She is known on a first name basis by employees at the Home Depot and Best Buy near our home.

Hi, my name is Bella. Thank you for selecting me as your "Kitty Mascot" for this year's St. Francis Festival!

My life didn't start out so well until some nice ladies from Safe Haven Animal Shelter rescued me and my litter mates. The rest is history. I am in my forever loving home, pampered and loved, have my own kitty condo and so many kitty toys. I share them with my big kitty brother Buddy! He thinks I am a "diva," but I think I am a "kitty angel" with whiskers!

Franciscan Renewal Center recognizes PETCO with much appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for their contribution and support of the 2008 St. Francis Festival.