The yearly ceremony at Old Mission Santa Ines is part of the annual West Coast Greyhound Gathering, a three-day-long event that begins on Friday and benefits GREYT Legs, a nonprofit organization that raises money to help racing greyhounds that have suffered broken legs on the track. The organization gives grants to adoption groups for veterinary care and rehabilitation.
The “blessing of the hounds” includes a prayer from St. Francis, patron saint of animals, and a sprinkling of Holy Water. Everyone is invited to this event.