Diego's Story
Diego became a part of our family because our 14 year old Yellow Lab Scout died. Our house felt very lonely without her. Diego is a Border Collie who was born on a cattle ranch in Northern California. Diego got his name because he seemed like an adverturesome puppy. His birthday is February 21, 2008. Diego is a very smart dog because when we built him a closed-in area in our backyard, he spent three days showing my dad the different ways he could escape. Diego lies under my chair when I am doing my homework. He follows me all around the house and is a good protector. We have lots of fun playing fetch. Nothing makes me feel better than when Diego lays across my lap and I give him a hug. Diego will be a great mascot. Thank you for choosing him.
-Addie Gralen
The St. Francis Festival
Blessing of the Animals and Pet Adoptathon
Dogs, Cats, Hamsters, Horses, Oh, My!!
The procession of animals will begin again this year at the Franciscan Renewal Center on October 25 and 26. Why are they all making their way here to these sacred grounds? The Blessing of the Animals, of course!
This custom is continued in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. St. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved to watch the larks fly about his hilltop town of Assisi. One time, Francis and his brothers of men were staying in a small hovel and they even made room for a donkey.
St. Francis truly loved ALL creatures great and small. He wrote a "Canticle of Creatures" which is an ode to all of God's living things.
If you haven't been to the St. Francis Festival, you have certainly missed a most special event-a celebration of God's special creatures.
Mark your calendar and join us for a day of fun, pet adoptions, laughter, food, pet blessings and a day to celebrate the special bond we have with our furry friends.
Event Date: October 25 and 26, 2008 10AM – 4PM Blessing of the Animals Noon and 2pm both days
- Event Location: Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley
- Free Admission, free parking, family priced food and fun!
- This is the largest pet adoption event in Arizona
- Check Out our PDF Flyer
This will be the 15th year for this annual event at “the Casa,” the Franciscan Renewal Center. Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911) will be coordinating the participation of over 65 rescue and adoption groups. Over 2000 animals of all kinds will be blessed in this annual tradition at “the Casa”. The blessings will be conducted at noon and 2pm by the Franciscan Friars. We expect to have over 3000 participants and visitors in attendance, 5000 if you count the animals! Over 400 pets will be adopted or fostered as a result of the event. This is the most productive event in the state for adoptions and by far and the largest in the southwest! Come join us!
There will be a benefit dog wash for the PACC911 emergency medical fund. Hundreds of dogs will be washed to help support this crucial need.
- The Franciscan Renewal Center, “The Casa,” See: The Casa Organization 480-948-7460 #155
- Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC 911) , formally Pets 911, is an animal advocacy group that provides medical resources to pets in need.
Some super pet related stories can be found at HOPE Awards This page can also be found by going to www.pacc911.org, click on Events Tab, scroll down to and click on Hope for the Animals, scroll down to PACC Partner Award Nominations. There are 10 wonderful and heart warming stories in these nominations ready for follow up.
Sammy’s Story
Sammy is our handsome, sleek, tuxedo-style, black and white, 6 month old, short haired kitten we adopted several months ago from Halo rescue. We chose him and his twin brother Boots because of their markings and their sweet, lively dispositions. Sammy was so happy to be out of the cage and to run through the house with his brother. There are many toys to keep them busy and some platforms up the wall of my room to a ceiling bed for when they want to get away from it all. Sammy loves to watch the fish in our fish tank and to perch on the living room window sill and watch the birds in our garden. We train Sammy to stay off the counters and tables by using a spray bottle. Now, when we pick up the spray bottle, Sammy stops whatever he’s doing. Sammy is wonderful company, whether you’re playing or he’s purring in your lap. We truly love Sammy and he is a great addition to our family.
-Lizzy Noble
