Dogs have long been referred to as man's best friend, but a handful of local pups can also be considered man's 'blessed' friend, thanks to the animal blessing ceremony hosted at on Saturday.
St. Paul UCC's Pastor Al Bastin was on hand from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, as parishioners and local families brought out their four-legged friends to receive a special blessing in the church's parking lot.
This is the fourth year Pastor Al has hosted the animal blessing. Last year, he estimates, parishioners brought out about 50 pets some looking for prayers for an older or particularly high-strung pet.
"I mostly see dogs, but I would have no problem blessing other pets, like cats or rabbits. I would bless snakes, too, but I'd probably have to do it from about 20 feet away," he said with a laugh.
