Temple Emanu-El offers its blessing to pets

Sara Weinberg said she was thrilled to bring Doc and Hedge, two former Southeastern Guide Dogs service dogs, to the Pet Shabbat/Blessing of the Animals event on May 13 at Temple Emanu-El.

“Everyone thinks they have the best-behaved dogs, but I know it,” she said. “They absolutely deserve it.”

Rabbi Elaine Glickman said the event was valuable because people often become caught up in their daily lives, taking certain things and people, along with their animal companions, for granted.

"As much as we love our pets and cherish our pets, we don’t always take the time to see that our love for them, and their love for us, is a reflection of the divine and of God’s creation,” she said.

Glickman said while the event might be low-key in terms of the preparation, just requiring the placement of chairs and tables, it is also an opportunity that is special for pet owners. Having been started over 10 years ago, it also has the distinction of being the “original pet blessing” in the Sarasota-Manatee area, she said.

The event, which involved rabbis Brenner and Elaine Glickman and Rabbi Michael Shefrin, drew attendees who were enthusiastic about their pets and eager to have them honored with a blessing.

“It’s really nice — it’s very sweet of them to do this,” said Barbara Brizdle. 

She said when her twin dogs, Moxi and Mazy play together, they bring her “such joy.”

“You can’t help but smile and laugh."