Temple Emanu-El celebrates the joy of pets with Blessing of the Animals

When the flood arrives in the Book of Genesis, God doesn't just save humanity through the Ark; he also saves all of the animals as well, Temple Emanu-El's leaders reminded a gathering of people.

A series of pups and a pair of cats were honored for their importance to their human companions' lives during the temple's annual Blessing of the Animals, held May 23. 

The event also offered the opportunity for attendees to dress up their pets and for a family pet photo, a free veterinarian consultation, a free consultation with an animal behavioral therapist, and a raffle. 

Attendees included temple members Sandra Liederman and her daughter Josie Liederman, who brought their dog Ozzie to be blessed. They said they had another dog who died during the summer, and Sandra Liederman said they brought Ozzie to the event "because we love him." 

"It's just a nice tradition," she said. "Our dogs add a lot of value to our lives. They really make a difference, and getting them blessed is really just a special little thing you can do for them."