SPECIAL SERVICE Dedicated to animals

The Humane Society of Mercer County and Hillcrest-Flynn Pet Funeral Home and Crematory in Hermitage, Pa., will hold a ceremony to memorialize the more than 30 abused and neglected animals whose lives were lost in the county since last October.

Details: The Rev. Donald E. Berdis of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Farrell, Pa., will conduct the annual pet blessing at 3 p.m. today at Hillcrest Memorial Park People and Pet Gardens, 2619 E. State St., Hermitage. At 4 p.m., there will be a procession to Hillcrest Memorial Park People and Pet Gardens, 215 Dutch Lane, Hermitage, where Father Berdis will bless the cemetery and conduct committal service of the cremated remains of the animals. Hillcrest donated a bronze plaque that reads, in part, “Lost or Mistreated in Life. Respected in Death.”

Be advised: Pets must be on a leashes or in carriers.

Humane society’s role: The humane society enforces Pennsylvania’s Animal Cruelty Laws and provides an animal shelter for the care of pets rescued from abusive, neglectful or cruel situations within Mercer County. For information: Visit hsmc-pa.org or call: (724) 981-5445.

About Hillcrest: Hillcrest Dog Park and Wellness Center is the first private off-leash park for dogs in Mercer County. For information, call (724) 347-5100.