How to Attend a Church Blessing of the Animals

When your pet brings you so much joy, you want to do something to thank him. The annual blessing of the animals, held at many churches in honor of St. Francis, is one way to do it. St. Francis is known for his love of animals and you can pass that love along when you attend a church blessing of the animals.

Things You'll Need

• Leash
• Harness/collar
• Pet carrier
• Treats

Instructions

1. Tire out your pet. Before you subject your pet to an event that is going to take about an hour of him sitting there calmly, get all the energy out of his system. A long walk, trip to the dog park or running around the home or yard will work. This unwinds your pet so he’ll be less rambunctious once you get to the blessing.

2. Keep your pet fully under control. Large dogs should be on leashes, tethered to a harness or foolproof collar at all times. Smaller dogs can be leashed or put in carriers. Cats must be placed in carriers, as too many get hyper, scratch the person holding it and bolt away. Smaller animals, like rats, hamsters and guinea pigs, should be brought in a small animal carrier with a closable lid.

3. Properly introduce your pet to other animals. There’s going to be tons of other animals of a variety of species. Let your animal check them out, them, say hello, sniff their butts--whatever it takes just to get him comfortable being around all the other guys.

4. Take your pet aside as necessary. If your dog starts whining or the cat starts hissing during the ceremony, take them aside and away from the other animals. You don’t want to disrupt anything. Likewise, if your animal becomes incredibly aggressive or nervous, remove him from the scene.

5. Reward him with treats. Put all your training into play by making your pet sit, stay, chill out, stop or whatever command you use to make him behave. Treat him when he obeys. Also treat him after the event to thank him for being such an incredibly good boy.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know your dog lashes out at cats, keep him away from the cats.

• Keep the cats away from the birds.

• Keep the birds away from cold drafts or intense sunlight blasting into their cages.

• If you know your pet acts out around other animals, perhaps a community blessing is not the place for you. Set up a personal blessing with the priest.