Today marked the International Society for Animal Rights’ (ISAR) 19th annual International Homeless Animal Day. Since 1992, the ISAR has commemorated the day to raise international awareness of the suffering of homeless animals—from the cause of overpopulation to solutions in dealing with shelter overcrowding.
Here in Cincinnati, my friends at The United Coalition for Animals (UCAN) and the Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry joined forces to host Cincinnati’s inaugural observance of this day with a candlelight vigil. The event was held to memorialize the thousands of dogs and cats euthanized in the last year in Cincinnati’s shelters simply because there were not enough homes for them. Held at Twin Lakes Overlook in Eden Park, it was a beautiful gathering that included a Blessing of the Animals. And although “well behaved animals” were welcomed to participate, we decided (or rather, “I convinced Chris”) to bring Abby and Jack along, (against his better judgement, I might add). I think they enjoyed being allowed to participate, and they were really thankful to be blessed, and after about 2 hours of time-out at the overlook, they finally settled down enough to mingle with the other canines.
The Blessing of the Animals.
Shannon DeBra of the Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry, and Linda Richardson of UCAN.
Lots of signs, messages, statements. Reflections on why we do the work we do, on behalf of our animal friends.
Lots of love, comfort, devotion. Reminders of on why we do the work we do, on behalf of our animal companions.
It was too dark to get any good pictures of dogs without popping the flash, and I didn’t want to ruin the mood of the occasion. So for your doggy fix, here’s one picture of Abby and Jack arriving on the scene. Yes, this was before we realized (or rather, before I acknowledged), that they weren’t going to sit nicely and participate in the service. And yes, that is a remote trainer collar in Chris’ hand. But rest assured, it is only used on the “buzz” (audio) setting. Which, I suppose, is why we’ve failed miserably at training them with this device.
I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever posted a picture of both Abby and Jack together. And to capture half of Chris in the same frame, too – now there’s a first!
Nice legs, huh? Well, at this point, this really was Chris’ better half. You should have seen the look on his face trying to reconcile in his own mind how he ever ended up agreeing to bring the dogs along, leashed, to a tranquil candlelight vigil, surrounded by dozens of other dogs. Oh yeah, and I wasn’t much help with them. I was busy talking to friends and taking pictures. He’s a good sport though.
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