West Seattle weekend scene: St. John’s ‘Blessing of the Animals’

Every year the church holds the blessing to recognize and embrace what they say is an emotional and often spiritual attachment people have to their pets.

Several local churches are holding a Blessing of Animals this weekend.

“It’s a way of marking that people’s relationship with animals is an important part of our creation and blessings of God”, White said. On or near that day, people bring their dogs and cats, hamsters, birds, fish, hamsters or any other furry, feathered or finned member of the animal kingdom, for a special blessing.

“We want to have a moment of praise for how our animals help us understand we are connected to the world and the environment”, Pastor Brian Elster said to attendees of the event Saturday morning. St. John’s new priest-in-charge Rev. Michael Carroccino and Brother Paul Dahlke from the Order of Saint Francis were in the neighboring West Seattle High School parking lot for all who showed up.

Jane Speyer of Delray Beach brought her 1-year Dachshund mix “Appa” to Sunday’s blessing.

Peterson said that Kintzi is the flawless pastor to bless animals.

“I hope they get really good homes”, she said.

Community volunteer Susan Butler and the Little Rex Foundation received the church’s 2015 Saint Francis Award for their work in rescuing unwanted, neglected and critically ill dogs. Madison and Carolyn Fisher had their dogs blessed.