Special blessing for animals

All creatures great and small descended on a Black Country church to take part in a special animal blessing service.

Cats, dogs, hamsters, fish and guinea pigs were among the animals which took part in the service held at Emmanuel Church, in Bentley, Walsall, yesterday morning.

Around 50 people young and old turned up for the service bringing 30 pets along with them to be blessed.

The service with a difference was led by animal-loving vicar the Rev Sharron Hough who organised a similar service last year in scenes reminiscent of an episode from the television series The Vicar of Dibley.

During the service songs were sung with words adapted to include animals and each pet came to the front to receive its own individual blessing.

Pets were awarded certificates and owners were supplied with prayer cards with verses relating to animals and the environment.

Owners grieving for lost or departed pets also lit candles to remember their lost animals.

Reverend Hough, who brought her black labrador Ozzie along, said: “It was lovely to see so many people turn up with their pets. I think everyone enjoyed the service. Ozzie enjoyed it a bit too much and tried to sing along. It has generated a lot of interest once more and we will be looking to do another pet service next year.”