Animals get the blessing from above

When you go to church you do not usually bring your pets, but today dozens of pet owners brought their furry friends to church for a blessing.

What better gift to give these furry animals than a blessing from above. People stood in line with their pets, as Father Tom of Saint John’s Episcopal Church prayed over each.

Anne Bunting is a local resident and member of Saint Johns. She said, “I wanted to bring my animal. It doesn’t come to church on Sunday’s.”

Bunting made sure her dog Dusty was prayed over. Dogs and cats were not the only animals to take part. Kassiani Harris’s hermit crabs were blessed and she won a prize for her most unusual pet.

Thank Saint Francis of Assissi for Saturday’s pet blessing. According to some believers, he is the patron saint of animals. Church leaders said he had a special connection with them. He would even preach to them.

“I feel like they are a blessing to me they bring me so much love joy and happiness, so I wanted to have them blessed because they are god’s creatures too,” said Natalie Mozey, a pet owner.

The New Hanover County Humane Society and Carolina Canines were also there to accept donations.