The Blessing of the Animals at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church on October 8, 2016, was full of fun and fellowship as we gathered with pets to rejoice in the love that God has for us, and that we share. It was a boisterous time with lots of yips, barks, laughter, and fellowship with human and furry friends.
This gathering brought 87 people, 59 dogs, 2 horses, and numerous stuffed animals together. In our short worship service, we spoke prayers of thanksgiving for the animals and the love that makes our lives special, and shared the Lord’s Supper. One of our teens played music for us as we sang familiar hymns. As our priests made the rounds for pet blessings, several people shared photos of their pets who could not come or who were lovingly remembered.
Baked treats shaped like muffins were offered to dogs. Donations of food were accepted for the Humane Society of North Texas. Pet owners left with a St. Francis medal to add jingle and bling to a pet’s collar.
At our drive-thru pet blessings, 21 people brought 13 dogs to be blessed. It was a tail-wagging good time!
KTVT Channel 11 showed our event with their Sunday morning television audience in Dallas/Fort Worth. The Fort-Worth Star-Telegram and Southlake Courrier-Journal shared a story of our pet blessings. Read their story, “Southlake church celebrates lives of animals by offering blessings.”
We continue to rejoice and celebrate the love that surrounds us with the animals in our lives! Enjoy photos of this event on Flickr; swipe or click through the album below.
