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Blessing of the Animals Returns to Warwick City Park Oct. 5

[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] 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] 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] 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] Deacon John Baker of St Catherine’s in Warwick blesses dogs and cats at Warwick City Park Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. At center, Julie Sussman and Tessa, dressed as a hot dog, receive their blessing.
WARWICK, RI  — Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter‘s 12th Annual Dog Walk, Blessing of the Animals and Costume Contest will draw pets and owners to the Beach at Warwick City Park Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,  with proceeds benefitting homeless cats and dogs awaiting adoption at the Warwick Animal Shelter.

The park entrance is located on Asylum Avenue.

A $10 donation includes an individual blessing for each animal and a colorful pet bandana.
After the blessing, attendees and their dogs will enjoy a scenic 2.75 mile walk around Warwick City Park. A shorter walk is also available. All restrained animals (leashed, crated, etc) are welcome for a blessing, but only dogs are allowed on the walk.
 
Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and the Dog Walk starts at 11:30 a.m.. Individual blessings will continue to be performed until noon. 
 
Water for the animals and dog waste bags will be provided, and fresh Starbucks coffee and Buono’s Bakery pastry will be available for pet parents.
Adoptable dogs from the Warwick Animal Shelter will be 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 Savatore
 
Stay for a judged Costumed Dog Contest with prizes at 12:30 PM. 
 
All animals must wear a collar and identification tag. Proof of rabies vaccination is required with a current rabies tag or a veterinarian’s rabies certificate for every dog, cat or ferret.  
 
Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Cats, ferrets, rats, birds, etc must be in a proper, secure carrier or securely harnessed and leashed. Retractable or Flexi leashes are not allowed – please bring a 6’ leash.
Aggressive dogs, any dog under 4 months old or in any stage of heat will not be allowed to participate. 
 
For more information, please call 401-467-2692, email shelterhelp@friendsri.org or visit Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter’s page at http://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTheWarwickAnimalShelter and Warwick Animal Shelter’s page at http://www.facebook.com/WarwickAnimalShelter 
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 editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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