PINS holds Fourth Annual Pet Festival and Blessing of the Animals
By KAREN KENNEDY Pets in Need Society (PINS) of Meade County held its Fourth Annual Pet Festival and Blessing of the Animals on Sept. 17, at the gazebo down by the river in Brandenburg City Park. Despite the cloudy day and cool temperatures, the event realized a terrific turnout, with over 200 people in attendance. Many pet owners and their pets were decked out in a variety of costumes with the hope of winning a prize. However, costumes weren’t required, and the festival was primarily for fun and a way to celebrate the love, joy, and companionship animals bring into our lives. The annual event began with the increasingly popular pet contest, which included categories such as the best costumed pet and owner, most obedient dog, best pet trick, best tail wagger, largest and smallest pet, and most unusual pet. Ekron Baptist Church put on a musical puppet show, and there were ongoing games for the kids. The blessing of the animals ceremony was performed by Rev. Jarrod Hunt, pastor of West Point United Methodist Church and City Road Chapel United Methodist Church. Following the blessing of the animals was the much awaited raffle drawing for a wide variety of really great prizes. Contest prizes and door prizes were donated by Southwest Airlines, Independence Air, Caesars of Indiana, Holiday World, Doe Valley Golf Course, Creature Comfort Inn, Big-O Tires, Claudia Cooper, Marylynne Kitson, Golf Smith/Custom Golf Fit, The Meade County Messenger, Star of Louisville, Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, Meade County Bank, Cave Country Canoes, Marengo Cave, Fantastic Sam’s, Family Fashions, Applebee’s, Fort Knox Lindsey Golf Course, Doe Run Inn, Little Dave’s, Doll House Scrapbook and Gift Shop, Old Capital Golf Club, Louisville Science Center/IMAX Theatre, Meade County Veterinary Service, Misty Meadows Farm, Tony Brown Goodyear Tires, Churchhill Downs, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen Grill and Chill, Radio Shack, Rivertown Spirits, Jan’s Hair Classics, Mr. Gatti’s, Kroger, Cox’s, Kathy’s Restaurant, Doe Valley Quik Mart, Dollar Land, and Curves. Pet Festival sponsors included Creature Comfort Inn Boarding Kennel, Hager Funeral Home, Ray Cottrell, Ray’s Ford, Ride Wright Tires, The Lumberjack, Bim’s Trucking, Benhams’ Highlift, Dutchske Fencing, Midway Veterinary Clinic, Tom Brady – Meade County Animal Control Officer, Bruington-Jenkins-Sturgeon Funeral Home, Watts’ Towing, and K-9 Stylings. Boy Scout Troop #95 provided the food and beverages for the event. During the festival, a total of $88 was donated for Hurricane Katrina pet relief. PINS has been active in helping the animals affected by the Gulf Coast disaster and previously donated 500 pounds of pet food to the many animals who now find themselves homeless. Monies raised at the pet festival will benefit PINS’ animal welfare programs, including its highly successful spay/neuter program which has helped spay or neuter nearly 2,000 dogs or cats since 2001.
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