Published November 13. 2025 10:46PM
Barktoberfest, organized by Paws for Fun President Roberta Moyer and Pastor Samantha Brennan of Grace Lutheran Church, celebrated its 14th year as a unique community event devoted to animals and their human companions. The fair ran 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at Macungie Park, featuring a free agility course and the annual pet blessing ceremony.
Designed to be peaceful and family-friendly, the event intentionally avoided loud music, letting the joyful sounds of dogs and people fill the park.
The pet blessing honors St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment and highlights the bond between humans and their animal companions.
The ceremony included prayers for the animals’ health and peace, followed by individual blessings from Pastor Brennan, who invited participants to remain with their pets as she moved through the crowd.
Pastor Samantha Brennan from Grace Lutheran Church in Macungie blesses the dogs.PRESS PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HIRSCH
Luna is dressed as a peacock by her human, Chris Zerfass.
Piper is blessed by Pastor Samantha Brennan with human, Asa Robbins.
Crystal Roman walks with Raisin.
Skye, a small Manchester dog and member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, visits nursing homes to comfort residents.
Susan Shetter visits the Rescue Shelter on-site at the pet fair and chooses to adopt a German Shetland – Husky mix dog she plans to bring to her alpaca farm as a companion. The yet-unnamed dog is calm and well-behaved.
Local rescues share their mission to find forever homes for animals in their care. Visitors could meet adoptable pets, browse vendors selling pet-themed goods and learn about grooming, training and volunteer opportunities.
