The Humane Society of Pike County has planned events in celebration of “Be Kind to Animals Week,” May 6-12. The celebration will culminate with the Blessing of the Animals ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday on the square in downtown Troy.

Donna Brockman, society president, said “Be Kind to Animals Week” is the oldest commemorative week in United States history.

“‘Be Kind to Animals Week’ is an annual event celebrating the unique bond between people and animals and encouraging the humane treatment of all animals,” Brockman said. “As an event of the week, Pike County High School’s Junior Beta and Beta clubs are collecting supplies for our two local rescues and the Pike Animal Shelter.”

Coinciding with “Be Kind to Animals Week, the Humane Society of Pike County’s spay/neuter program is on-going with $20,000 allocated to this year’s efforts, Brockmann said.

All five veterinary practices in Pike County are participating in the spay/neuter program, which is open to all Pike County residents and Troy University students. The humane society will pay the first $50 on each procedure as long as funds are available.

“But Saturday is the big day for our local ‘Be Kind to Animals Week’ here in Troy,” Brockmann said. “All pet owners are encouraged to bring their animals, in actuality or spirit, to the Blessing of the Animals Ceremony. This is a wonderful opportunity to get our beloved fur babies prayed over and also an opportunity to spend a nice, if brief, time with others who also love and honor their pets.”

The Rev. Earnest Green will preside over the Blessing of the Animals. Brockmann said representatives from the county’s two local rescues, Precious Paw Sanctuary/PPS and Troy Animal Rescue Project/TARP, will share a few words about their projects with those who participate in the ‘Blessing.’ Jacqueline Meeks, director of the Pike Animal Shelter, will also share information about the shelter in Troy.

“Following the Blessing of the Animals, we will have a Pet Sorade, a social and parade, inside the square,” Brockmann said. “This will be an informal event but a very meaningful one for pet owners. Pets are like children and, for some of us, they are our children. We encourage everyone to come and have their pets blessed.”

There are several ways to Be Kind to Animals throughout the year including adopting a pet, reporting animal abuse, having pets spayed/neutered and becoming active in local welfare policies and legislation.

New members are always welcome at the Humane Society of Pike County, Brockmann said.