Several dogs were sitting at attention in the churchyard. Others were curled up around their owners feet while a few were sniffing around looking for a new friend. It was the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, Oct. 4 held outside the church at The Point in the churchyard.

The Reverend Meg Ingalls, interim rector at St. Mary’s said Oct. 4 is the day St. Francis of Assisi is honored for his love of all nature and emphasis on the interdependence between humans and animals. In his honor churches worldwide hold  ceremonies blessing the animals. She noted the animals present today seemed to be all dogs with only one cat and “no snakes this time.”

The ceremony began with the traditional “The Lord be with you.” And the response, “And also with you,” with a few respectful barks joining in. Ingalls proceeded with an invitation to call out names in remembrance of pets departed. “Help us remember and honor the gift of companionship they have given so generously.”

Ingalls told everyone to just remain seated and she and Rev. Victoria Herd would come to each of their animals with a blessing. Ingalls dipped her evergreen branch in holy water and headed for the first row of dogs. They worked their way through the folding chairs around the church yard. 

“Little Bear may the blessings of God be with you always.”

In the back row Melissa and David Urban sat holding their dog Gabby.  They have driven from San Antonio to visit his sister and are here today because “that’s my sister up there. She is the priest.” David says he is a retired Methodist minister.

Just down the way Herd reached the cat carrier in the last row of chairs. She carefully unzipped the carrier which housed Cinderella, the only cat in attendance, and offered a few sprinkles of water on the top of Cinderella ‘s head.

When the final prayer has asked that God grant health, peace and safety, it’s time for the healthy macrosnacks filled with bone marrow to be distributed     to the (mostly) patient and well-behaved wagging tails.