Prayers, Paws and Even a Turtle Come Together for Pet Blessing

Dogs, big and small, and even a turtle joined their owners in front of St. Joseph School on October 4 for the annual pet blessing to commemorate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The service was led by Deacon Jack O’Leary who said a few prayers and then walked through the crowd to bless all of the animals with holy water.

One special dog on hand was Major, owned by seventh grader Madyson Poya and her family. He had been found only two weeks prior in front of the Poya's home, near death, with a broken leg and stones in his belly. He is recovering well and seems to be enjoying his second chance in a happy and loving home.