Rostraver church holds service for pets, owners

John Harkins and Lucy, his Schnauzer-Yorkie mix, have been together for just three months.

They are a family and last Saturday, along with dozens of other local pets and owners, gathered at the First Presbyterian Church for the 9th annual Blessing of the Animals.

Harkins, adopted Lucy in Florida earlier this year after the recent deaths of two other pets.

“They are like family members to me, said Harkins, 75, of Rostraver.

Under a tent to shield pets and their owners from the weekend’s blazing heat, the Rev. Mary Kay Glunt led a short service that acknowledged the importance of family pets.

“They are God’s creations. If you pray for yourself you should pray for them too. We bless them because of what they bring to our lives and we bless the owners for their care,” Glunt said. “My dogs and cats were such as blessing to us and their absence is truly an emptiness for me.”

Natalie Brewer, a church official and organizer of the pet blessing, said the event serves multiple purposes. In addition to the church service, it also acts as a fundraiser for Mon Valley Paws, a nonprofit that serves as lifeline for local pet owners.

Mon Valley Paws provides funding and other assistance to a rotating group of four local animal shelters. This year Pet Adoption League in New Stanton, Pugs for Special Needs in Rostraver, As They Come Rescue cat shelter in West Newton and the White Oak Safe Haven receive assistance from the organization.

Mon Valley Paws also provides funding for pet owners who require help for emergency medical needs and essential supplies to care for their pets, said Patty Alcorn.

“All of these funds stay in the Mon Valley. The help people who want to keep their pets but are struggling,” Alcorn said.

Brewer said the blessing event raised more than $100 and supplies for the shelters.

She said she saw similar events in the region and wanted to bring the pet blessing to Rostraver.

“I thought this would be a good fit for the community,” Brewer said. “The (pets) definitely do know they are loved and that’s what that matters. They may not know what’s this is all about, but the know they are taken care of,” Brewer said.

Susan Aten, 61, of Rostraver attended the blessing service with her dog, 5-year-old Molly.

“It’s such a nice outreach to the community. Molly was a rescue and this shows the community that we believe that pets are important,” Aten said.