There’s a local club in Northern Virginia using animals to teach kids kindness, empathy and compassion — so it makes sense that they’re busy the weekend of World Animal Day and the traditional Blessing of the Animals at churches the world over.

This is a special year for The Pawtectors as the animal-loving kids were chosen as Ambassadors for World Animal Day, which is Sunday, Oct. 4. It’s also the same day as the Blessing of the Animals, which is recognized worldwide.

Debbie Henry is The Pawtectors CEO — the Chief Experience Officer. She told WTOP that The Pawtectors “have hands-on kindness missions that help build empathy and compassion and responsibility and leadership.”

This month, Henry has The Pawtectors sending blessings to animals in shelters.

“I filled out the certificates at my house, and then I went there, and I dropped them off, and then I got a tour of their place, and I got to like pet all the animals,” 10-year-old Amara told WTOP.

It was Amara’s empathy and love for animals that motivated her.

“There was an animal shelter in Fairfax, and they just got some new animals, so I thought it would be nice to make some blessings for the animals and hope they get new homes,” she said.

Amara’s goal is to make sure that all the animals in the shelter get blessed.

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