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Blessing of the Animals Draws Plenty of Paws

[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Deacon John Baker of St Catherine's in Warwick blesses dogs and cats at Warwick City Park Saturday, Sept. 17.
[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Deacon John Baker of St Catherine’s in Warwick blesses dogs and cats at Warwick City Park Saturday, Sept. 17. At center, Julie Sussman and Tessa, dressed as a hot dog, receive their blessing.
[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Maureen and Nicole Robetson of Coventry with Cindy-Lou Sept. 17 at Warwick City Park.
[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Maureen and Nicole Robetson of Coventry with Cindy-Lou Sept. 17 at Warwick City Park.
WARWICK, RI  — Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter‘s ninth Annual Dog Walk,  Blessing of the Animals and Costume Contest drew about 44 pets and their owners Saturday at the Beach in Warwick City Park, with the proceeds benefitting homeless cats and dogs waiting for adoption at the Warwick Animal Shelter.

Deacon John Baker of St Catherine’s in Warwick performed the blessings, which were followed by a 2.75 mile walk through the park on Asylum Avenue.

Among the dogs and their stewards were Ruth Napolitano, board member of the Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter, and her husband, Paul, with with Remi, just turned in recently and still sore from a neutering procedure the day before.

Julie Sussman and Tessa, dressed as a hot dog for the costume contest, were among the many animals that took advantage of Deacon Baker’s blessing, though Sussman’s friend wondered aloud if the pair were allowed to accept the boon, given her Jewish faith.

It was OK, Sussman assured her friend.

“She’s a kosher hot dog,” Sussman quipped.

Adoptable dogs from the Warwick Animal Shelter were also present to meet, greet and kick off the dog walk.

“This day is probably the most fun for our shelter dogs while waiting for their forever home as they get to spend the whole day at the park!” said Judy Salvadore of the Warwick Animal Shelter.

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[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Paul Napolitano with Remi (black dog, sitting on the beach bench). Remi was just turned in recently and was neutered the day before the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Claude Chabot and Linda Menard with Petou at Warwick City Park Sept. 17 for the Blessing of the Animals.
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[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Tukka (Sailor) and Bopa (wig) at the Blessing of the Animals Saturday Sept 17, dressed for the costume contest.
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[CREDIT: Mary Carlos] Christine and Greg Tolson with Tucker for President at Warwick City Park for the Blessing of the Animals Sept. 17.
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[CREDIT: Mary Carlos]
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[CREDIT: Mary Carlos]
Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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1 thought on “Blessing of the Animals Draws Plenty of Paws”

  1. ericmills

    Bumper strip: “Please, God, let me become the person my dog thinks I am!”

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