October 31 - All Hallows Eve

All Hallows' Eve - The term Halloween is shortened from All Hallows' Eve, as in the evening of All Hallows' Day, which is also known as All Saints' Day in Europe. Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year". The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the alive and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. Irish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century.

Halloween is celebrated in several countries of the Western world, most commonly in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom and occasionally in parts of Australia. In Sweden the All Saints' Day official holiday takes place on the first Saturday of November.

October 4 - Pomeranian

Pomeranian - (also referred to as a Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe and classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size. Pomeranians are typically very friendly, playful and active. They are very intelligent as toy breeds go, and are easily housebroken and trained. Pomeranians socialize well with other dogs and animals.

Pomeranians have been known to play in their water bowls or spill water in order to lay in it and keep cool on hot days. Pomeranians tend to interact well with their owners in unique ways. They also will spin once, twice or many times in a circle when excited, and can also walk on their hind legs quite well. Although many people believe the Pomeranian to be a lap dog, the breed typically does not like to be held or sit on a person's lap for long periods of time. They are extremely loyal and will sit or lay content at an owner's feet, but normally prefer not to be overhandled. Overall, these dogs make great loving companions.

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Franciscan Pet Blessing

Blessed are you, Lord God,
maker of all living creatures.
You inspired St. Francis to call all animals
his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless this animal.
By the power of your love,
enable it to live according to your plan.
Amen.

"Love and respect your pets"