Interfaith pet blessing recognizes contributions of furry companions

By Dana Kampa
| 9:30 a.m. November 3, 2025

Diane Weisman brings her black Labrador retrievers to join an interfaith pet blessing from Rev. David Marshall of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church and Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates of Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key on Oct. 26.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Faith leaders at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church and Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key teamed up on Oct. 26 to offer a special blessing to the community's animals, especially recognizing the ways they help people heal.

Rev. David Marshall and Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates offered a special interfaith blessing of the pets for all community members.

From the smallest chihuahua to the tallest Labrador retriever, all creatures received special recognition.

Debbie Nettlow said she was delighted to have the opportunity to uplift her adopted dogs, Lola and Louie. Now that they've found a home, the whole family contributes to giving back to the community with trips to local hospitals, offering patients a moment of stress relief.

Many of the furry friends in attendance enjoyed a treat or two from Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care. Spitalnic Mates and Marshall also hand-wrote certificates for all the participants, reading, in part:

"You called forth all the fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable this beloved creature to live according to your plan."

Both religious organizations will be joining another interfaith event later this month. A special Thanksgiving service is scheduled for Nov. 18 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

Jason and Mindy Brant and Rev. David Marshall participate in a blessing of Edison, the 7-year-old Boston Terrier, at an interfaith event on Oct. 26 at Temple Beth Irael.

All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church Rev. David Marshall gives Skyler the pitbull mix some extra cuddles at an interfaith pet blessing Suzy Brennen took her dog to on Oct. 26 at Temple Beth Israel.

The pet blessing with Temple Beth Israel and All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church wasn't limited to in-person visits. Terry Cobb and Holly Bruce brought a picture of their dearly loved cat, Tilly, who enjoys her personal space.

Even though Tilly the orange and white cat isn't a big fan of crowds, Terry Cobb and Holly Bruce were glad to still get a pet blessing from Rev. David Marshall and Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates at an Oct. 26 interfaith blessing.

Rev. David Marshall and Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates bless Clemmie Tiger, a member of the Bishop family.

Debbie Nettlow brought her adopted dogs Lola and Louie to the Oct. 26 interfaith pet blessing.

Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates of Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key and Rev. David Marshall of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church co-hosted the pet-centric blessing service.

Tula, a member of the Acri family, soaks up some sunshine at the interfaith pet blessing on Oct. 26 at Temple Beth Israel.

Auggie the Bichon Frisé stops to smell the flowers at an interfaith pet blessing on Oct. 26 with owner Lori Armstrong.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.