Ceremony will integrate Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Indigenous rituals

MEDIA ALERT
For Immediate Release

Contact: Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228, willi320@umn.edu

Interfaith Animal Blessing and Memorial Ceremony to be held on St. Paul Campus

When
4:00-6:30 p.m., Saturday, October 6, 2007

Where
Nestle Purina Memories Garden
1988 Fitch Avenue, outside the east entrance of the Animal Science Veterinary Medicine building
University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus

Background
Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center’s Social Work Services program, the interfaith ceremony will involve contributors from multiple faith communities and integrate Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Indigenous rituals.

“This is a unique ceremony in that most animal blessings worldwide are focused on living companion animals and are often practiced within a particular faith community,” said Jeannine Moga, Social Work Services director. “This event, however, will serve as both a blessing and a memorial ceremony, providing animal lovers with an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the important animal relationships in their lives and celebrate the lives of animals who have died.”

The event is free of charge.

About Social Works Services
A unit within the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, Social Work Services provides complimentary, confidential support, advocacy, and referral services to clients dealing with a companion animal’s health, wellness, and death. The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center is one of the few animal hospitals in the nation to offer the services of trained social work staff.

- end -

The College of Veterinary Medicine improves the health and well-being of animals and people by providing high-quality veterinary training, conducting leading-edge research, and delivering innovative veterinary services.