Blessing of the Animals 2009

A Time to count our blessings and offer appreciation 

for the animals who provide work, love and companionship.. 

WESLEY P. HESTER TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Published: December 12, 2009 Having a job these days is no small feat -- especially if you happen to have four legs. More than 100 people, and nearly as many dogs, gathered yesterday at the Morgan Fountain in Shockoe Slip to honor such hard-working animals. Horses and canines, many clad in holiday attire, mingled peaceably at the 16th annual Blessing of the Animals, sponsored by The Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad. The city's five-horse mounted police unit was in attendance, along with K-9 units from the city and Chesterfield County. Attendees fed the horses apples and carrots and were barked at by the dogs. "I pray that each of us never take lightly our relationship with all of creation, one another and our beloved working and companion animals," said Rev. Karen Thompson of Thompson's Border Collies, who led the blessing. The 10-minute service was modeled after a similar blessing held in Philadelphia during the 1800s, said Sue Mullins, president of The Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad, noting that Morgan Fountain was once used to water Richmond's horses. "It's nice to support our mounted squad, who sometimes get lost in the shuffle," said Karen Webber, who brought along Lilly, her Welsh corgi, sporting a seasonal red and green outfit. Holiday music came courtesy of Susan Greenbaum, and gifts of pet food were accepted for the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation. "It's great to be able to get together with the community and have their input and support," said Richmond police Sgt. Michael Bohannon, who heads the K-9 unit. "Especially with all the animals."