More than 150 pet owners are expected to line up to line up to receive blessings for their dogs, cats and birds at Hartsdale Pet Cemetery's annual celebration of National Pet Memorial Day on Sunday, September 14 at 1 pm.

All pets that are present will be individually blessed by the Rev. JoAnne C. Campo and receive a personalized certificate.  Pets need not be present to be blessed.  Visitors can bring photos of pets or urns with cremated remains of a pet that has passed.  Children may even bring their favorite stuffed animals.

The event is open to the public and will take place at the cemetery located at 75 North Central Park Avenue in Hartsdale, NY, in Westchester County.

"It's a happy open house event where people can come and remember the pets that have meant a lot to them," said Edward Martin III, vice president of the cemetery. "Many pet owners have been telling us for the past 24 years that they hope the blessing brings good fortune, good health and happiness and good years to come.  The blessing also makes many feel that their animals are protected."

Rev. Campo said the blessing of animals honors a longtime tradition stemming from the days of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known as a lover of animals and nature.  Pet Memorial Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September by hundreds of participating pet cemeteries around the country every year.