I went to a Blessing of the Animals on the weekend. It took place outdoors in a church yard under trees and a sunny sky. It was wonderful. Dogs and cats, a rat, a pigeon, two goats, two llama, likely a hundred animals in all. The birds and squirrels were also mentioned. There was singing and prayer and then three clerical people, two men and a lady, walked among the crowd and personally blessed each pet. Of course there was some barking and some skirmages, one dog escaped his lead and his owner gave chase, the woman with the rat commented that several eyes seemed to be surveying it as a snack so she was holding it very tightly. A police dog with his handler was on the sidelines putting up with the antics of a puppy while striving for dignity. Snacks for creatures both human and otherwise were provided after the service. It was very special.