Blessing the Animals

An outdoor Sunday church service at Stewart Park was briefly interrupted when Jake let out a deep guttural growl as the minister tried to bless him.

His behavior was matched by Winifred, who was just too tired to stand through the hymns. After a three-mile walk to the park, she plopped down in an aisle and slept through the entire liturgy.

An afternoon at church has never been more relaxed. The blessing of the animals is a service held for all breeds of all creeds in celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Ceremonies are held worldwide the first weekend in October to honor creatures great and small.

Pastor Jane Baker led a second smaller service at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church. She explained that St. Francis was very connected to nature and, legend has it, could talk to animals.

“I always think of St. Francis as sort of the dog whisperer of the 12th and 13th century,” she said.

Last year, 21 dogs, two cats and a banana slug were blessed at the church and about the same number trickled in for this year’s service — minus the slug.

Cheryl Donahoo, president of the Umpqua Valley Humane Society, said there has been a nondenominational blessing of the animals in Douglas County for at least 20 years.

“In the past, people have brought horses and sheep,” she said, adding that some have even come with the cremated remains of their pet.

The Rev. Susan Hazen of St. George’s Episcopal Church began the Stewart Park service by leading the congregation in song — inviting the 30 or so animals to sing along, too.

Most of the pets glanced sideways at each other, confused at their owners’ sudden rejoicing. Except for the dozing Winifred. The golden retriever was obviously dreaming about more rambunctious activities. Her owner, Molly Park-Sample, said the puppy used up at least two lives in the past year.

“We brought her to be blessed because we want to have her a good, long time,” said Park-Sample.

Six-year-old Italian greyhound Jet was wide awake, snuggled in a blanket in the lap of his owner, Howard Mitchell. Jet was tossed from a moving car with five of his siblings a couple of years ago.

When Mitchell first adopted the trembling canine, Jet’s front legs were completely broken.

“The only thing holding his feet to his legs was skin and tissue,” Mitchell said.

Today, Jet is counting his blessings.

“Now he can run like the wind,” said his owner.

Many attendees try to make the blessing of the animals an annual outing. Christine Sarubbi, 14, said all her pets have been blessed except for her 6-month-old feline, Taz.

“It’s his turn in the rotation,” she said.

Sarubbi is hoping the blessing will help Taz stop scratching people.

Like Taz, Jake could use a blessing too. Owner Jackie Strutton said Jake’s rumble at the reverend probably didn’t mean much, but she kept a tight hold on him all the same.

Strutton adopted the Australian shepherd mix after learning the pup had been shuffled through five different shelters. His atrophied left paw is a sign that Jake’s life hasn’t been a walk in the park.

“He’s a work in progress,” said Strutton. “He came with some baggage.”

Five-year-old Sophie wasn’t deterred by Jake’s personality. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel was deemed the official greeter of the ceremony and was shaking with excitement at meeting new friends. Her owners, Midge and Hank Frost, said they used to bring their cat Rudy too, but decided to leave him at home this year.

“He complains through the whole thing,” said Midge.

Her philosophy on blessing animals is simple.

“I don’t know if it helps, but it can’t hurt,” she said.



• You can reach reporter Cara Pallone at 957-4208 or by e-mail at cpallone@nrtoday.com.