‘We love our pets’: Pastor blesses dogs at Nativity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hampton

Ken and Traci Saunders’ two long-haired Chihuahuas are an important part of their family. Riley, 11, is black and white and acts like an energetic puppy despite her age, while Rosco, 6, is light brown and more skittish.

As members of the Nativity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hampton, the couple wanted their animals to be blessed at the church they’ve frequently attended since moving to the Pittsburgh area in 2006 after retiring from the military.

“We are faithful members of the church and the love that our pets show us, especially when I come home from work and they’re just so excited, that’s why we love our pets so much,” Ken Saunders said.

On Oct. 1, the Rev. Jennifer Soltis, the church’s pastor, blessed half a dozen dogs to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint for creation and animals. The church also collected bags of pet food, treats and litter to donate to Animal Friends of Pittsburgh’s Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank.

While Soltis said attendance was lower than usual because of rain, she was still pleased that people showed up to give thanks to their dogs. This is her second time performing the blessing at the Nativity Evangelical Lutheran Church, but she’s done it before at other churches she’s served. At a rural church, Soltis added that she once blessed a pet goat and rabbit.

“We have it to give thanks for creation and give thanks to God for our animals, especially our pets who are very dear to us,” Soltis said. “And just to give thanks for our pets because pets mean a lot to people.”

Soltis first led a prayer, thanking all creatures “that nourish and serve us and those that befriend, enrich, entertain and protect us.” She also thanked God for pets, vets, vet techs, animal shelters and adoption organizations.

“Help us to be true friends to all animals, and to know that we are all creatures of your love,” she said.

Soltis then blessed each dog individually, including Riley, Rosco, a border collie, a husky and even a picture of someone’s dog.

“We’ve been coming to the church here for years, and we missed the last few pet blessings, so we wanted to make sure we came today,” said Traci Saunders.