Rhinebeck Welcomes Animals, Community, and Compassion at Annual Blessing Event

Aired May 17th 2026

Rosemary Joyce, a longtime community advocate and organizer, is bringing the Blessing of the Animals back to Rhinebeck, New York for the fourth consecutive year. The free, family-friendly outdoor event celebrates the human-animal bond and coincides with Be Kind to Animals Week, the oldest commemorative week in U.S. history, now 111 years old.

This year's theme, the Year of the Humane Child, is inspired by the work of renowned animal behaviorist Jane Goodall. "Her goal was to make us understand that animals are sentient creatures just like human beings," Joyce explained. Science has backed this up in compelling ways: dogs trained to sit in MRI machines show brain activity in the same regions as humans when presented with something they love. "So we know dogs and people, and probably most animals, love just like we do."

The celebration takes place Saturday, May 30th from noon to 4:00 PM at Third Lutheran Church, 31 Livingston Street, Rhinebeck, NY. A rain date is set for Sunday, May 31st from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. The event is completely free and open to the public. No pet is required to attend.

Pastor James Miller will offer personal, hands-on blessings for both animals and their companions. "You will be blessed, your animal will be blessed, and you can spend a few moments talking to him," Joyce noted. A pet remembrance tree will also be on site for those who have lost animals, where visitors are invited to bring a collar, leash, or favorite toy in memory of a beloved pet.

A wide variety of animal organizations will be present with their ambassador animals. Attendees can expect to meet Lazarus, a Eurasian eagle owl returning for his fourth year, a 200-pound pot-bellied pig from Hope Farm Animal Rescue in Saugerties, Sarge the 13-pound Flemish rabbit from 4H, adoptable puppies from Hope for Dogs (all puppies found homes last year), kittens from Pant, horses from Southland Foundation's Mommy and Me program, and new addition 2 by 2 Animal Haven from Pleasant Valley, which may be bringing a baby kangaroo along with reptiles. The New York State Police K-9 Unit will also be on hand with officer Justin Bell and K-9 Tilly.

Also on site, rain or shine, is a free rabies vaccination clinic sponsored by Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (HVARS). The clinic runs Saturday, May 30th from noon to 4:00 PM at the same location and is free to Dutchess County residents (proof of residency required). Non-residents may purchase the rabies vaccine for $15. Microchipping is available for $45 and a distemper shot for $25. The clinic is open to all dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets three months of age or older. Pre-registration is required at hvars.org. Note that New York State carries a $200 fine for unvaccinated pets, making this an especially valuable resource for local families.

Rotarian Carl Dowden, a lifelong member of Third Lutheran Church and a senior member of the Red Hook Rotary Club, has been a steady supporter of the event and the broader mission behind it. "The best part of being a Rotarian is the international aspect," he said. "Rotary is all around the world, and we help people all around the world in all countries. We're just looking to bring peace and goodwill to the world."

The Red Hook Rotary Club is also currently accepting nominations for their annual Citizen of the Year award, which recognizes an individual or organization who has made a meaningful difference in the Red Hook community. The award is typically presented in late October. Nominations can be submitted at redhookrotaryclub.org.

The Blessing of the Animals is made possible through the generosity of sponsors including Adams Fair Acre Farms, Arlington Wine and Liquor, Williams Lumber and Home Centers, and new sponsor Tractor Supply. Sponsor donations are pooled and distributed equally among participating animal charities to help cover travel and operational costs.

Joyce summed up the spirit of the day well: "You don't need a pet to come to this. You will enjoy it if you have no pet. I've seen people sit down on the lawn with their dogs and talk to somebody they never would have connected with if it hadn't been for the event."

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