Memorial United Methodist Church in Kannapolis presented Paws for Celebration on May 3.
The event included food by Boy Scout Troop 16 and Calvin’s Carnival Creations, and country-gospel music by Bill Measmer and his band.
Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary and the Cabarrus Humane Society brought some wonderful dogs looking for their “furr-ever” homes.
Deacon and Belle Starr of The Central Piedmont Search & Rescue Team provided demonstrations. Deacon found old human bones carefully hidden by their handlers, and Belle found a young lady that had been all over the grounds for two hours.
The highlight of the day was a pet-blessing provided by Pastor Jim Brookshire. He provided a short responsive reading, cited Genesis 1:20-31, and then blessed each pet individually, by name.
Each pet was given a tag that said “BLESSED.” The pastor said he felt as blessed by each pet as each pet owner did.
The event will be held the first Saturday of May every year.
More information on the church can be found on: memorialunitedmethodistchurch.org and on facebook, where there are more pictures of the event.