A Blessing of the Animals is an event where students, staff, and faculty can bring their pets, like dogs or cats, to campus for a day, as well as a service to them. 

This event serves as an opportunity to bring pets to campus. Recently, the policies on campus about bringing pets changed because of health problems. According to Amber D’Angelo, Human Resources Generalist, “A lot of people are allergic to pet air or dandruff. So we really wanted to provide individuals who often brought their animals can have an outlet to still be able to kind of show off their animal and bring them on campus and make them feel a part of the family here at Lakeland.” 

The new Chaplain, Julie Mavity Maddalena, will bless each animal along with reciting readings about the value of animals. If you have an exotic animal, or maybe a larger animal that can’t make the trip in, you can bring a picture or even a favorite toy to be blessed at the service.  

The Blessing of the Animals is a way of gathering and making a new community.  

Amber D’Angelo states that “it’s something to look forward to right when you get to work and then kind of make you have a smile on your face for the rest of the day.” 

The Blessing of the Animals event will be held on Oct. 4 from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., in front of Old Main by the water fountain. Throughout the day, animals are allowed to stay on campus. Owners will be held responsible for their animals.