Blessing of the Animals set for June 29 in Aspinwall

One of the Rev. Scott Hill’s favorite annual services will soon take place.

The Aspinwall Presbyterian Church will conduct a blessing of animals at 10 a.m. June 29 on the Third Street side of the church grounds.

The church is at 299 Center Ave. in Aspinwall.

The informal service is a celebration of creation and all pets are welcome.

“I love animals, and I love seeing people with their animals,” Hill said. “It’s a great way to connect with the community and to offer something that is a genuine spiritual hunger most people have, to have their bond with their pet recognized. We also celebrate all of God’s creation.

“It’s (also) an important part of our members’ lives that we don’t recognize very often. … We take this chance to thank God for all the blessings that animals and the world around us brings us.”

Some of the more interesting creatures blessed through the years include horses, compost worms, guinea pigs and a prehensile-tailed skink, which is a reptile.

Though pet blessings traditionally occur in October in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals whose feast day is Oct. 4, the timing didn’t fit well into the church’s calendar.

Hill said having it in the spring and summer months means warmer weather for pets and their owners. He believes the service will be well-attended.

“Most years, it seems like its two-thirds people from the neighborhood and one-third people from our church,” Hill said. “Our people who come every Sunday, sometimes we go a whole year without talking about their pets. They’re special to them.”

Pets should be on a leash, in a container or held during the service.

Officials from the West Deer Township Dog Shelter are expected to attend and bring a dog or two.

The nonprofit is a longtime friend of the church. A collection will be taken to help support its cause.