- May 15, 2025
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Piper Lyons, with her rabbit Zen, brought the event's only non-canine animal.
Photo by Ian SwabyDavid Lewis and his dog Quincy meet with Debra Sandberg, past board president of Unity.
Photo by Ian SwabyWendy Clutter has Bentley blessed by Prayer Chaplain Stephen Butler.
Photo by Ian SwabyDebra Sandberg, past board president of Unity, pets Wendy Clutter's dog Elly.
Photo by Ian SwabyGloria Acheson and her dog Sammy.
Photo by Ian SwabyMary Lou Davidson's dog Lyra is blessed by Prayer Chaplain Jacqueline Fitzgerald.
Photo by Ian SwabyPrayer Chaplain Jacqueline Fitzgerald; Spiritual Care Minister Rev. Amy Zehe; and Mary Lou Davidson, owner of SarasotaDogs.com, and her dog Lyra
Photo by Ian SwabyDennis and MaryAnn Modtrak's dogs Madison and Ashland are blessed by Spiritual Care Minister Rev. Amy Zehe.
Photo by Ian SwabyChris Deluna's dog Dixie has a look outside her stroller.
Photo by Ian SwabyPiper Lyons and her rabbit Zen meet Prayer Chaplain Mitch Earle
Photo by Ian SwabyThe Modtrak's dog Madison meets Prayer Chaplain Stephen Butler.
Photo by Ian SwabyHeather Deluna, Zero and Gregg Duncan
Photo by Ian SwabyEric Wohlgamuth, maintenance manager at Unity, has his dog Sammy blessed by Prayer Chaplain Stephen Butler.
Photo by Ian SwabyUnity of Sarasota has been offering its annual pet blessing for about 14 years, said Spiritual Care Minister Rev. Amy Zehe, who manages the event.
However, while typically held around St. Francis Day in October, this year, it joined the holiday season when it was held Dec. 1 as the Holiday Pet Blessing.
"December is a festive time of year and and the weather might be a little bit cooler than in October... so we've decided to bring it here," Zehe said.
The event has prayer chaplains at the church bless attendees' pets, celebrating the joy they bring to people.
"I try to do this every year," said Chris Deluna, who brought her Chihuahua Dixie. "She's getting older and having some health issues, so it never hurts to do a little bit of extra blessing."
Zehe said attendees also have the chance to show off their pets and socialize, while a service offers them a chance to share what is special about their pets.
"I just like the atmosphere, and the chaplains are just amazing," Deluna said. "Amy has just been so sweet. I like the presentation and the care that they give to all the animals."
Zehe noted the church also offers Bentley's House, a support group for pet loss, held via Zoom, and that the campus has a memory tree where visitors can plant a feather for a pet they have lost.
