St. Thomas’ Church blesses the pups, large and small
| 06 Oct 2014 | 02:34
Makayla, an 11-year-old Yorkie receives her blessing by the Rev. Dr. Howard W. Whitaker as her human, Kimberly Genung, of Hamburg looks on.
Princess receives her blessing and a treat from the Rev. Dr. Howard W. Whitaker as her human Kathy Winter of the Vernon Valley Lakes section of Vernon holds her leash.
Archie, a Jack Russell Terrier/hound mix was anxious to get blessed and receive a treat as well.
Winston, a 14-year-old “Pomapoo” owned by Jo Ann Fisher of Vernon is blessed by the Rev. Dr. Howard W. Whitaker of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church.
VERNON — The sun broke through on Saturday for the annual Blessing of the Animals held at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church on Route 94.
The late afternoon service was a chance for dogs and their owners to be blessed and to get a few treats as well.
“There are two models in this world for unconditional love," the Rev. Dr. Howard Whitaker said. "One is God. The other is a good dog.”
The annual event commemorated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.
— Photos by Chris Wyman