HSLC Saturday pet costume contest and blessing of the animals makes for a great fall event

[November 01, 2018]   LINCOLN - On Saturday afternoon, the Humane Society of Logan County enjoyed a large turnout for the annual Blessing of the Animals, this year coupled with a pet costume contest.

Several dogs arrived, escorted by their people pets. They were dressed in wonderful costumes ranging from Santa Clause to perhaps a pups favorite table foods - hamburgers and hot dogs. One came as movie popcorn, another as a ballerina, and there was one very convincing lion in the bunch.

One dog went all out by getting his/her family to go along, and the entire group came as skeletons! What a howl!

Around the lawn at the Humane Shelter, tables were set up with various activities for the humans including fall versions of a ring toss game, craft activities and more. For pets and their people, a photo opportunity was being offered as dogs and their people were encouraged to sit on bales of straw in front of a burlap backdrop while a photographer took their photos.

Guests enjoyed lunch at the HSLC with hot dogs, chips and cookies being offered.

Shortly after noon, Father Mark Evans arrived for the annual blessing of the animals. He went pet to pet asking the owners if they would want their dog to be blessed. All said yes, and one even commented, “Please do! He needs all the help he can get.” We won’t tell you which dog that was, but apparently he can be a bit mischievous, though on Saturday it appeared that all the animals, as well as the their people were on their best behavior.

Among the HSLC volunteers the best dressed may well have been Marilyn Wheat, who donned her best scarecrow outfit and spent the afternoon visiting with folks around the grounds, but also talking about the HSLC pet cemetery, and items offered to people who suffer the loss of a pet such as memory jewelry and lovely urns for cremains.

All in all, it was a great afternoon at the Humane Society as folks enjoyed the time out on a sunny, comfortably cool day. There were also opportunities for visitors to go inside the shelter and visit all the dogs and cats that are hoping for adoption.

The Humane Society of Logan County does some really great work, mostly with volunteer manpower and limited resources. Anyone who is interested in supporting a very good cause, the HSLC would welcome monetary donations as well as donations of pet care supplies. To see what is needed visit the HSLC website at https://hslclincoln.org/ (click on the HSLC Fetch List).

[Nila Smith]