Calgary church welcomes pets for Blessing of the Animals

A Calgary church is celebrating the 20th anniversary of a popular ceremony that brings pets into the pews.

The Blessing of the Animals service at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer attracted more than 200 people and pets Saturday, including dogs on leashes and cats in arms.

Cèilidh, a cat, was nervous until she met one of the Anglican priests, said her owner, Vaughan Bowen.

"She thought we were going to the vet and didn't like coming here, but she's settled down since she got here."

Myrene Glass said her pooch Bandit was also on his best behaviour after his blessing.

"It's amazing. I think it's something about it. It centres them. He's quite peaceful."

The event has grown more popular since Heather Trainor started it two decades ago after the death of her bulldog Buddy.

"I was inspired by the video that I saw once from Saint John the Divine Cathedral in New York. It's an extravaganza. Unbelievable. And I knew I couldn't do anything quite that elaborate and I didn't want to, but I thought it would be really nice to have something like that here."

Remembering loved ones

The ceremony also attracted Calgarians wishing to remember loved ones they'd lost.

Justyna Kos-Fairless cradled a container that held the remains of her late dog Jack. She said she doesn't normally attend church, except for at Christmas.

"I wanted to bring his ashes to get them blessed because I'm sure he's in heaven right now. He was the most wonderful dog."

A priest laid a hand on the box and offered a prayer, while two others crouched to bless a couple of energetic dogs.

"I feel more peace now that he's been blessed," said Kos-Fairless.

"I can't help the tears. It's happiness for being here with Jack but also sadness that he's not here in person with us."

Terry Barker came with a friend to honour her late husband. She doesn't have a pet right now, but appreciates being around them in church.

"We both loved animals so much and we had cats and dogs and I miss them all so much," she said. "Every church should do this. They mean so much to us. They're so comforting. They're just wonderful."

The Blessing of the Animals is often held in the first week of October because St. Francis of Assisi's feast day is Oct. 4. He was the patron saint of animals.