St. Francis Animal Hospital and St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry are excited to announce the second annual Family Pet Fair & Blessing of the Pets to be held Saturday, October 4, 2014 from 10am to 2pm at Fletcher Park, 1652 Atlantic Blvd. in San Marco. Come join this fun-filled event for the whole family under the beautiful trees of Fletcher Park. The event will include vendors with items for pets and people, food vendors, $15 pet microchipping, a “Laundromutt” charity dog wash, free doggie nail trims, Ask the Vet, Ask the Trainer, face painting, dogs available for adoption, and more. The event concludes with a blessing of the pets at 1:30pm.

In the United States, October 4 is traditionally celebrated as the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Because St. Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, October 4 is a very popular day for pets to be blessed. All types of pets are welcome to participate in the blessing and for those pet parents who can’t bring your pet, a photo of your pet is encouraged. All dogs should be on a leash and all cats should be in carriers.

Booth space is available for businesses and organizations who wish to participate in the event. For more information, please contact events@saintfrancisanimalhospital.org or 904-674-7223.  Proceeds raised from the event will go to local nonprofits St. Francis Animal Hospital and St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry to help family pets in need of medical care like Shadow.

Shadow’s Story
Shadow was Chris’s best friend and furry “kid” – they were inseparable. Sadly Chris suffered from cystic fibrosis and died at a young age while waiting for a lung transplant. When Chris died, Shadow went to live with Chris’s mom. Together, Shadow and Chris’s mom mourned the death of Chris – and helped each other through the heartache.
When Shadow became ill, Chris’s mom was devastated because she couldn’t afford the entire cost of the surgery to save Shadow’s life. As the only remaining connection left to Chris, Chris’s mom couldn’t bear the thought of losing her, too. Thanks to the generosity of donors to the St. Francis Animal Hospital Helping Paws Fund, Shadow was able to get the life-saving surgery she needed and Chris’s mom is eternally grateful to still have Shadow in her life.