advertisement

Blessing of the pets

DU QUOIN - St. John's Church of Christ hosted the first annual Blessing of the Pets Sunday afternoon at Keyes City Park in Du Quoin.

The celebration commenced with a morning church service, followed by a lovely picnic, and the Blessing of the Pets event in the afternoon.

Organizers Josh and April Kiefer, along with sons, Brayden-15, and Garret-12, were pleased with the turnout, and deemed the event a success. The fundraiser netted $350 to donate to the Perry County Humane Society.

"For our first event, we had a great turnout, and the Humane Society was very thankful," April said.

She added that the undertaking was the pet project of church member Robin Juhl, who presented the idea to the church council.

There was a raffle with gift baskets as prizes, T-shirts for sale to benefit animals waiting for adoption, and souvenir collar tags were given out.

Sponsors of the event included: Petco, St. Francis Animal Hospital, and Casey's General Store. All donations of money and pet supplies were gratefully accepted.

Du Quoin natives Natalie Long and daughter, Daisy, 12, were in attendance, along with feline-friend Ozzy, who lounged with Daisy in a folding chair.

Said Natalie, "We could not have asked for a more perfect day. Some very special people put so much hard work into it."

Daisy Long, 12, and Ozzie of Du Quoin, share a quiet moment during the Blessing of the Pets ceremony Sunday at Keyes City Park. Marta Prudent photo
From left: Josh Kiefer, April Kiefer, (who is presenting a check for $350 to Perry County Humane Society volunteers), Dawn Kiefer, Angie Morris, Tammie Hoffard, Mia Kiefer, (holding furry friend, Tyson, who is available for adoption) and Karen Barnett. Marta Prudent photo