Warwick Valley Humane Society holds blessing of animals at its animal shelter

WARWICK — It's been an annual tradition to conduct a blessing of animals at both Catholic and Protestant churches on or near the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the 12th century patron saint of animals, known for his love for all creatures.
In most cases people bring their pets to their church for a blessing but Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, realized that practice left out the 23 dogs, 83 adult cats, 53 kittens, eight rabbits, three guinea pigs and five roosters, all homeless animals in crowded conditions, that were in need of a blessing.
And there were also special cases like Blondie, a 16-year old cat given up by her owners. She is both blind and deaf.
And there is Cady, a cat who was found with a large open wound on her side infested with maggots, missing an eye and emaciated.
Cady, however, has recovered.
"Under diligent care by our staff," said Barron, "she is now almost completely healed, has gained weight and become extremely playful and ready to forget the trauma of her past and looking forward to a safer, better future."
On Saturday, Oct. 13, Rev. Jamie Bono, a Catholic priest, visited and blessed every animal at the shelter.
Bono, an associate priest at the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr, is a community member of Voluntas Dei (Volunteers of God).
"It was so wonderful of him," said Barron, "to take the time to visit our homeless pets and give them all a blessing since so many of them have been mistreated, abandoned or simply no longer wanted by people they once considered family. With his blessings, may all of our animals, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and roosters find a caring and forever family in the near future. Our heartfelt thanks to Father Jamie."
- Roger Gavan