Have your four-legged bestie blessed this Sunday at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter

Four-legged friends around Cape Coral and Southwest Florida can be blessed this weekend as part of the local animal shelter's annual event.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter will host the fifth annual Blessing of the Pets this Sunday starting at 2 p.m., for owners, dogs, and cats of all backgrounds.

"We believe our pets are part of our family and we want them to be included in all aspects of our lives," said CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley. "Blessing of the Pets is one of our very special community events and we are thrilled to be able to host it for the fifth year in a row. Showing our gratitude for their presence in our lives is a beautiful thing."

This outdoor event is open to people and pets of all faiths. There will be a special service celebrating the special bond between pets and pet parents and each fur-baby will receive a special blessing from the shelter's special guests — Pastor Mark McAnlis from First Congregational Church and the Rev. Denise Sawyer from Lee Health.

McCauley said CCAS typically has about 100-125 attendees along with their pets, "which is truly great to see."

"Our two pastors do a short but very meaningful service and a general group blessing."

At the end, pets can receive individual blessings from the pastors.

Each participant will receive a prayer card and St. Francis medallion. There will be a photo station for pictures with your pet, a delicious bake sale, and a CCAS swag boutique.

"While we celebrate St. Francis, this is an interdenominational event and anyone who wants their pet to be recognized as a wonderful companion is welcome," McCauley added. "St. Francis was the Patron Saint of Animals, and his story is inspirational no matter what faith you practice. He loved all creatures and believed we need to live in harmony with them, which is in line with our mission here at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter."

McCauley called the Blessing of the Pets a joyful, emotional event that has become very popular in the community.

With support from the city of Cape Coral, CCAS will have a very large tent for this event, making the event possible rain or shine.

Sponsors for this event are the city of Cape Coral, Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service and Raso Realty.

Dogs must always be on a leash (no retractable leashes). Cats, critters, and other pets must be in a carrier.

Donations are encouraged and all proceeds support the life saving efforts of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. To date, the shelter has found loving, forever homes for over 4,900 animals since opening in March of 2020.

CCAS is at 325 Southwest 2nd Ave.