The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley hosted a special celebration Friday evening, Oct. 4, honoring the animals that bring joy to so many every day.
Families brought their furry members and loved ones — big and small — to the San Bernardino shelter for the annual Blessing of the Animals services.
The special outdoor ceremony for all kinds of pets, some on leashes and some in kennels, featured prayer readings and music and was led by Pastor Woody Hall.
Special attention was also given to families whose pets have died. Participants were invited “to bring pet photos and mementos for sharing, as they celebrate, honor, and remember the precious animals that have blessed their lives with love and loyalty,” an HSSBV news release says.
Pastor Woody Hall, left shares a laugh with Abbie Leanos and her dogs Asa and Max during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Pastor Woody Hall blesses Mala who will be 18 Dec. 27th and Albert Martinez of San Bernardino during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Joanna Marcial holds an urn with her dog Baby’s ashes as Pastor Woody Hall blesses them during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Pastor Woody Hall blesses Clementina Bernal and Naomi Alaniz and four dogs and two cats during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Slobber waits for Pastor Woody Hall to bless him during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Michele Matzkiw with tears in her eyes holds a picture of her dog Pirate Treasure, She said I used to tell Pirate Treasure, “Live like someone left the gate open” during Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Michele Matzkiw with tears in her eyes talks with Pastor Woody Hall as he blesses photos of her dog Pirate Treasure, who died of cancer this year, at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Rick Isenburg holds his dog Riley as they listen to Pastor Woody Hall speak during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Pastor Woody Hall, left, blesses Chester and Margarita Martinez during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
People and their pets listen to Pastor Woody Hall speak during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Lissette Martinez holds her dog Stoney who will be 17 in Dec. during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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Pastor Woody Hall, left shares a laugh with Abbie Leanos and her dogs Asa and Max during the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s annual Blessing of the Animals in San Bernardino on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Ben Madilynn
