The Blessing of the Animals

They share their owner’s home, family and attention nearly every day. And Sunday morning, Colorado-based pets were able to share in their divine blessing, too, at the Buckhorn Presbyterian Church’s annual Blessing of the Animals service.

More than two dozen dogs, as well as a guinea pig, were brought to the Masonville church’s amphitheater, where they sat somewhat patiently through an animal-themed service and blessing.

“God gave us these wonderful animals,” said the Rev. Sylvia Edwards, who had been invited to the church to give the service.

“They bless us. It’s nice to consciously give them a blessing in a worship service, too.”

What started a few years ago with just a few pets has grown into a community-wide event that offers the pastor’s and God’s blessing to any creature in attendance.

The amphitheater was nearly full Sunday with pooches of all sizes — from a tiny Yorkshire terrier to a towering golden retriever — that wagged, panted and sniffed through the service.

Get the whole story over at The Reporter Herald.