Blessing of the Animals 2013

The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals is one of those events that our church just really gets into.  Maybe because there are so many animal loves in the congregation, maybe because we're still a church that hauls in a camel, donkey and sheep for our nativity play at Christmas, who knows.  

It was pretty understood that Star simply couldn't go with us.  We love her dearly, and she could definitely use the blessing, but even the girls understood all her puppy energy would just be in overload.  So the compromise - Addy took her fish, and her two snails.  

On this particular Sunday, we happened to have a row full of Addy & Cora's friends from church sitting with us as well.  We all went up together for Reverend Peter to give the fish & snails their blessing.

In recent years, the farm with which we have a longstanding relationship brings in quite the exotica animal display.

Here you can see us from our row staring in disbelief at the yak being led down the aisle.

But more disturbing were the 7 foot python and tarantula.  At least disturbing to me.  Cora and Addy, not so much.  Here's Cora who couldn't wait to touch the snake… (yes, that's our friend Brad they talked into carrying it)

And Addy all smiles looking at the "hairy spider."

All God's creatures, yes, but ick!!!!