Students and their families as well as parishioners brought their family pet to the school’s front parking lot for the blessing. Over the years there have been a variety of animals, everything from cats and dogs to bunnies and chickens.

First Lutheran Church also hosted its blessing of the pets with 14 pets and their owners in attendance.

“We even had a family walking by the church with their two dogs and they stopped for a blessing on their way,” said Pastor Jeff Ewing. “Having events like this show how much our pets mean to us. They are more than just animals we house, they are family members we love. It also gives families a connection point, too. Lots of folks lingered and chatted with each other, building community.