The Blessing of the Animals is a semi-traditional event celebrating St Francis of Assisi’s fondness for animals.  Pet blessing events are scheduled around the world on or near October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Many Seattle churches held their events on the 4th but if you’d still like to take your pet to one this year, St Martin of Tours in Fife, is celebrating on Oct 7th at 7pm. They say, “All pets welcomed on leash or crated. Service takes place in the parish center. Light refreshments for humans only!”

St Columba’s Episcopal Church is holding theirs on Friday, Oct. 9th. There is a Dinner at 6:00 p.m., then the blessing at 7:00 p.m.  Their website says:  This is a family event and everyone is invited to attend. They add that you may bring stuffed animals or beanie babies and specify that “each animal is asked to bring its human companions on a leash.” For those who have lost an animal companion during the year, they say, “There will be an opportunity to pray for those pets that died this past year. (Please bring a photograph of the pet if you have one.)”  Donations from St Columba’s will be sent to the King County Animal Shelter.

Click AmericanCatholic.org to find such an event near you.

If you like the picture, it is available as clip art here.