- October 7, 2021
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Due to a sudden downpour, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s annual pet blessing was moved indoors on Oct. 15. It was originally supposed to be helped in the church’s meditation garden.
Holly, a 6-year-old bichon frise
Due to rain, guests and their pets were huddled indoors for the blessing. Umbrellas piled on top of each other in the church’s kitchen.
Following the blessing, attendees and their pets were treated to cake and other refreshments.
Humans weren’t the only ones who got treats following the blessing at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church. Dog and cat treats were provided as well.
Following the annual pet blessing at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church attendees, including the animals, were treated to refreshments.
Acorn, 2, gets a lift from owner Dan Ehrbar.
Amalia, a 1-year-old tibetan terrier.
Raymond Smith and Snowball, 12, listen to Pastor Eric Wogen during St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s annual pet blessing on Oct. 15.
Pastor Eric Wogen blesses Acorn, 12, with owner Dan Ehrbar.
Pastor Eric Wogen blesses Gracie, a 10-year-old schnoodle, during St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s annual pet blessing.
Pastor Eric Wogen blesses Pepper, 11, during St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s annual pet blessing.
Big Mac, 3, was one of two cats present at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s annual pet blessing on Oct. 15.
Pastor Eric Wogen blesses Clue, 5, with help from Craig Snyder.
Pepper, a blue tick hound and black labrador mix
Diana and Sergio Luciani with Sonia, 10
Gene and Noreen Luca with Colin, a 13-year-old border terrier
Gra Luciani with Gabrielle, 11
Joe Orear with Gunner, a 17-year-old long-haired miniature dachshund. Orear’s niece made the shirt he’s wearing that features a picture of Gunner as a puppy.
Iris Bolwell and Sukitu, 5
Susan Tjarks gives Pepper a dog treat following St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s annual pet blessing on Oct. 15.
The theme for the Rev. Eric Wogen’s reflection was unconditional love at Sunday’s annual pet blessing service. The love he spoke of was the love a pet has for its owner.
But when rain started to pour down over St. Armands Key Lutheran Church’s meditation garden, it became clear how much love owners have for their pets. Due to weather, the service had to be moved indoors.
Before the move, though, owners and their pets huddled together, trying to stay dry. No one left. Owners held their pets close, sharing umbrellas with them to shield them from the rain. To those present, getting their four-legged friends blessed was too important.
Wogen led the group inside and began the service. He said pets are faithful and dependable and that people should love those around them as much as they love their pets.
“If your pets didn’t have you to provide for them, what would happen to them?” Wogen asked. “God gives us these gifts, and we’re to take care of them.”
Only two cats were present amid the sea of dogs, but all were welcome. Though no owners were new pet parents, some have been attending this service longer than others.
For the past five years, Joe Orear has been bringing his long-haired miniature dachshund, Gunner, to the pet blessing. This year, Orear sported a shirt with a picture of Gunner as a puppy on it that his niece designed. He said he thinks Gunner was the oldest pet present at 17 years old.
“We think it’s so important, and Pastor Wogen makes it so outstanding,” he said.
The pet blessing was held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals. His feast day was Oct. 4.
