Holiday Pet Blessing at Unity of Sarasota celebrates the joy of pets

Unity of Sarasota has been offering its annual pet blessing for about 14 years, said Spiritual Care Minister Rev. Amy Zehe, who manages the event. 

However, while typically held around St. Francis Day in October, this year, it joined the holiday season when it was held Dec. 1 as the Holiday Pet Blessing.

"December is a festive time of year and and the weather might be a little bit cooler than in October... so we've decided to bring it here," Zehe said. 

The event has prayer chaplains at the church bless attendees' pets, celebrating the joy they bring to people. 

"I try to do this every year," said Chris Deluna, who brought her Chihuahua Dixie. "She's getting older and having some health issues, so it never hurts to do a little bit of extra blessing."

Zehe said attendees also have the chance to show off their pets and socialize, while a service offers them a chance to share what is special about their pets. 

"I just like the atmosphere, and the chaplains are just amazing," Deluna said. "Amy has just been so sweet. I like the presentation and the care that they give to all the animals."

Zehe noted the church also offers Bentley's House, a support group for pet loss, held via Zoom, and that the campus has a memory tree where visitors can plant a feather for a pet they have lost.