Prayer for Peace

The last several months have been busy ones – for our volunteers, our supporters, and our clients. Somehow, time just seemed to slip away and now we find ourselves at the year’s end with a post long overdue.

As we do each year during our December distribution days, we gave simple gifts to pantry clients and their pets – treats for the 2-legged and the 4-legged, tugs for the dogs, and catnip squares for the cats, all inside a reusable canvas shopping bag.

This year, we served more than 100 people and their pets – some needing help only two or three times, others month after month as the economy took its toll and other changes made it difficult if not impossible for people to care for their pets.

Julius received eye surgery and was able to move from animal control to a shelter.

Donations to our Edna C. Riley Neuter/Spay and Wellness Fund made it possible for our furry clients to get basic veterinary care and, if needed, neutered or spayed. Additional targeted donations allowed us to support feral cat TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) in Rogers Park.

Additionally, our supporters responded to special requests to fund much needed medical care for some wonderful dogs so they could be transferred from a downstate animal control facility to shelters.  And, they once again chipped in to buy supplies for Burmese refugee school children in St. Paul’s parish.

This little dog was among the first to arrive for the Annual Blessing of Animals and Pets.

The Annual Blessing of Animals and Pets at St. Paul’s Church by-the-Lake was well attended. The service was held in the church, followed by the blessing of the new Saint Francis of Assisi statue on the church’s grounds and a reception with treats for all.

You can view more photos of the afternoon’s activities in our Blessing 2010 Picasa Web Album.

It seems appropriate to end this year and begin the next with a few lines of the Prayer of Saint Francis:

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

A sincere thank you to all of you who continue to support AniMeals.   May you find peace and joy in the new year.