'Who's Who' of Animal Rescue at Blessing of the Animals in Bridgehampton
It was like a Who’s Who of animal rescue groups at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton on Sunday when the Reverend Tim Lewis performed the Blessing of the Animals.
Organizers Pia Lindstrom and Carole Beinecke greeted Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Board President Jonathon McAnn, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons Executive Director Sara Davison and some ARF volunteers, including Pingree Louchheim and Nancy Buscimi, and Jewel Morris, the founder of Pet Philanthropy Circle.
The Rev. Lewis’ dogs, shelter animals and lots of pets attended the church service, some of them barking along to the music.
The Blessing of the Animals, or the Blessing of Pets, is an annual tradition among Christian denominations. According to American Catholic, the custom is observed in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.