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Dogs, Fish and Their Human Owners Braved the Weather for the Annual Blessing of the Animals

Old North’s annual Blessing of the Animals Ceremony brought dozens of pets and humans to the Prado despite the drizzly weather on Sunday afternoon. The service commemorates the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Rev. Steve Ayers, Vicar, and Rev. Matt Kruger, Asst. Vicar, of the Old North Church gave brief readings from scripture and prayers. Pets of all shapes and sizes were also individually blessed by Old North’s clergy. There were plenty of homemade treats for people and dogs.

Adding to the community involvement, RUFF, Responsible Urbanites for Fido, had a large presence at the event giving out ribbons and sharing information about the new neighborhood group for pet owners. The group arranged for Animal Control to to be on hand to answer questions and provide license applications. The Animal Rescue League also had a veterinarian present to administer shots for dogs.

These girls brought their beta fish for the blessing ceremony.

 

Rev. Stephen Ayers, Vicar of the Old North Church, leads the ceremony.

 

Karel and Dennis brought their young dog.

 

Animal Control and the Animal Rescue League set up tables to assist residents with their pet responsibilities.

 

It’s Frankie and her dog.

 

Janine and Lynn in line to have their pets blessed.

 

RUFF’s Amy and Leslie are working to help North End dog owners and the community.

 

Grace and her dog at the Blessing of the Animals

 

Animal Control helped dog owners get their licenses.

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Individual blessings were also given to the animals, here by Rev. Stephen Ayers.

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 

Blessing of the Animals – September 2012

 Photos by Matt Conti. Download high resolution versions and order prints here.