Location: Sebring, Florida
Event: Blessing of the Animals
Organisers: Heaven's Gates Animal Ministries

Heaven's Gates Animal Ministries held its First Annual Blessing of the Animals, in Sebring Florida on World Animal Day.  One of our special guests was Marvene McPhee, the Director of our local Humane Society who has been instrumental in turning it into a no kill shelter.  As people started to arrive the animals they brought received as much attention as their human companions! At 6 o'clock we had about 60 participants and were ready to begin.  Larry McCandless began playing and singing “The Unicorn Song" by the Irish Rovers, a lively song but a little bit sad, about how the unicorn missed the boat during the flood.

Gail introduced World Animal Day and Marvene said a few words about the Humane Society and reminded us to remember the homeless animals in our prayers.  Father Gonzales, from St. Catherine’s Parish, Reverend Andy Conyer, from Unity Church, and Animal Chaplain Gail Leavitt, from Heavens Gates were the officiating ministers and they talked about celebrating animal life in all its forms, humankind's relationship with the animal kingdom, how animals inhabit the earth, the sea, and the skies, and that they share in humankind’s fortunes.  An important point made is that God saved the animals from the flood, and that they also share in Christ's Redemption. The diverse roles animals play in our lives is mentioned, and thanks is given for their companionship and emotional support.

During the service, the animals lined up with their human companions and received personal blessings from Father Gonzales, Reverend Andy and Animal Chaplain Gail.  After the blessing, we handed out candles and lit them while Larry played gentle music in the background.  After blowing out the candles our ministers say a final blessing of "Go in Peace." Afterwards people started talking and milling around while admiring each others pets.  Full report supplied by Donnalee Hilden, Venus, Florida, and edited by World Animal Day.

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Event: Family, Fur and Fun Festival
Organiser: Nevada SPCA Co-sponsored by: Law Office of Donna Stidham/Lucky Dog Magazine/Summerlin

The Family, Fur & Fun Festival was a huge success. A day full of entertainment; fun; games; interactive activities for both children and adults and demonstrations (police/pet therapy).  We had 85 booths/stalls and well over 1,000 participants. The SPCA had a selection of adoptable friends for everyone to meet and micro-chipped 135 animals. 201 Animal Hero badges were awarded to adults and children with the first being awarded to Megan Hickey (see photo) for raising money for the Nevada SPCA, making over 50 bunny condo’s, cleaning and painting two rooms at the Nevada SPCA, raising awareness about proper animal care to all her friends and spreading information about the the great work the Nevada SPCA does each day. 

We received 35 drawing in our 'Be Kind to Animals' drawing contest from kids aged from 4 to 17 years. The Festival was so big we outgrew the venue our first year.  The community that donated the park has given us their largest park for next year's Festival which is scheduled for October 11, 2008.  Thank you, Donna Stidham, Esq.

Location: Teaneck, New Jersey
Event: School Children Help Bergen County Animal Shelter
Organiser: Kristen Keenan, High School Teacher

As part of reaching out to animals in need, I asked each of my students to donate two of the following things: old sheets, old towels, a stuffed animal or a small package of inexpensive dog or cat treats for the animals staying at the Bergen County Animal Shelter. The towels and sheets come in handy as soft bedding in the metal cages and on the concrete floors. Stuffed animals are great for a dog to play with and both dogs and cats like to snuggle with something soft. Stray kittens like to have stuffed animals for warmth and
security. I work at the animal shelter on Sundays and Thursday nights. There is nothing more rewarding than to see our beloved cats and dogs find a forever home. My animal shelter fund drive made it to the high school yearbook. I just wish there was a way to put an end to animal shelters.  But at least this helps comfort the animals while they are there. 

Location: USA and throughout the world
Event: Give Your Pets a Break - Help Make 2008 Litter Free!
Organisers: Mindy Wirrick, Pennsylvania

In celebration of World Animal Day, I have launched a campaign to encourage everyone involved in breeding to make 2008 litter free, in order to give the millions of homeless animals a chance to go to their forever home. Animal shelters need the opportunity to reduce over-population thereby eliminating the need for euthanasia of healthy animals. I have been lobbying breeders, American Kennel Club, Veterinarians etc. What's in it for the breeders? In 2009, be proudly known as a generous, caring breeder who "Gave Them a Break and Made 2008 Litter Free". I will be continuing to raise awareness of this initiative and would love to hear from anyone, anywhere who would like to lobby promote the campaign in their own country. If you would like to view Mindy's poster please click here. Please send an email to: mindy.wirrick@verizon.net

Location: USA Wide
Event: Pet Blessing Services
Organiser: American Catholic

A record number of 575 locations in 49 states offered pet blessing services on or near World Animal Day this year. Naturally, we are absolutely delighted! Sharon Cross, Project Manager, Electronic Media Department. Sharon Cross, Project Manager, Electronic Media Department, American Catholic, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Location: Long Beach, California
Event: Compassionate Cuisine Event
Organisers: Group of Animal Lovers supporting Animal Acres Farmed Animal Sanctuary in Los Angeles

IMAGE GALLERY
Selected additional images of events that took place in the USA in 2007