By Cali Bagby

Imagine a great hall full of people sitting in a circle. Some people have dogs on a leash, others have cats on their laps.

One man pets his golden retriever lovingly as the reverend walks from animal to animal blessing each one with his gentle hands. There is singing and smiles and celebration.

These are scenes from the Blessing of the Animals to commemorate St. Francis Day, which will be held Sunday, Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m., at the Parish Hall at Grace Episcopal Church. Weather permitting, the blessing for larger animals such as horses, sheep or other livestock will be held outside. All the blessing will be conducted by the Reverend Dr. Colin Goode, Vicar of Grace Church.

“One of the cool aspects of this is that people are kinder to each other when animals are involved,” said Phyllis Potter. “You see the more human side of people when they’re relating to their pets. You could see a typically stern person talking baby talk to his dog.”

The Blessing of the Animals is a tradition for many churches and communities and has occurred on Lopez over the years.

Lopez Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Scherzinger, of the Ark Veterinary Clinic, and his wife Claudia Bradley helped to revive this service on Lopez several years ago.

“The human-pet bond has been around since our ancestors shared their cave hearths with their canine companions,” Scherzinger has written in the church bulletin for prior blessing ceremonies. “Our animal companions fit into our lives with ease, filing an important gap. They are non-judgmental, always have time, and listen well. Their effect on improved human health is well documented, and their companionship for the elderly and homebound relieves loneliness and is given unconditionally.”

Potter, of Islehaven Books, has also been a strong supporter of this event and attends every year when the blessing is held.

Several years ago, Potter took her borzoi, Breeze, to the blessing when she was pregnant with puppies. Another year, the dog howled along with the hymn, “All things bright and beautiful.”

“So many of us have such a strong connection to our animals and having a place where faith, religion and practice come together with animals is great,” said Potter. “It’s a celebration of church and my dog, the best of both worlds.”

After the blessing, there will be a coffee hour followed by a church service.

Call 468-3477 for more info.