Things to do this weekend to help furry friends

We have to tell you about two ways to help your furry friends this weekend. First, if you shop at the Evanston Farmers' Market, plan to stop by the Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) booth and buy some home-baked goodies at its bake sale this Saturday, October 2. Hours for the market are 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please volunteer your baking services to help raise more money for the doggies and kitties at Evanston’s Animal Shelter. For more information, leave a message on the C.A.R.E. voicemail for Paula - 847-705-2653.

Second, Evanston residents have the opportunity to bring their pet companions to the St. Francis Day Blessing of Animals. Even though we’re non-denominational kitties, we give two paws up to St. Francis, who is beloved worldwide as the patron saint of animals and ecology.

Sunday, October 3, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., will host its Sixth Annual St. Francis Day Blessing of Animals. In keeping with traditions associated with the life of St. Francis and his love for all God’s creatures, the event will focus on thanksgiving for companion animals.

A special Eucharist will be inside St. Luke’s from 10-11:15 a.m., with individual blessings of all animals present. The Eucharist will be offered in celebration of the companionship, service, and joy the pets in our lives share with us.

A street fair will follow outside the church with exhibits and demonstrations by animal-related organizations. Chicago-area animal service organizations, working animals, rescue groups and animal shelters are invited to display information on their organizations and discuss the work they do with St. Francis Day participants.

St. Francis Day Blessing of Animals is open to pets (of any faith) and their people are warmly invited. Due to the presence of animals who do not know each other, it is requested that pets be controlled appropriately. If your pet would not be happy in the presence of other animals, you may bring his/her photo to be blessed. Memorial banners are available for inscription with the names of deceased pets to be commemorated.

St. Francis of Assisi

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who deal likewise with their fellow men."

-St. Francis of Assisi