Posted on October 8, 2012
Tails were wagging and there was a whole lot of barking going on outside the church doors.
About 20 dogs anxiously waited for the service to begin. Some of them made friends, some stood alone and some paced, all anticipating the service.
A special blessing of the animals took place outside the front doors of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lower Makefield on Saturday.
“Creator of us all,” began the blessing, “bless your friend." Pastor Rev. Michael A. McKillip addressed each animal individually by name and patted their heads.
This is the time of year the church celebrates St. Francis and his love of all creatures, said McKillip. The day was created to celebrate him.
About 20 dogs showed up at church with their owners tagging along for the blessing. In the midst of all the canines, one fearless cat sat in her crate.
Vada Quallis of Yardley brought Jester, a 6-year-old cat.
“I bring her to the animal blessing every year,” said Quallis. “I like to have my animals blessed because they are very special.”
Some of the canines in attendance were there for blessings because they are going through tough times.
Buddy, a blind 9-year-old pug, has surgery this coming week.
Buddy's owner, Wendy Szogi of Falls, said, “It was a good reason to bring him.
“Years before he hurt his leg and I brought him to the blessing then too.”
Oliver, a 15-year-old miniature pincher, also has health issues.
According to Judy Blackman of Lower Makefield, Oliver has disc disease and other issues. He has been to the ER and the veterinarian this week because he couldn’t walk and wasn’t eating.
“He needed a blessing,” Blackman said. Saturday’s blessing was the first for Oliver.
But not all dogs were there because of poor health.
Mindy, an 11-year-old beagle, brought owner Sue Galik of Pittsburgh to the blessing.
Galik, who also has a property in Penndel, saw the advertisement in the paper and thought, “Hey everybody needs a blessing,” she said.
After the blessing, every animal was given a treat.
Lilly, 2, and Willie, 3, both mixed breeds, brought their master Patricia Tarbuck of Falls.
“As soon as the service began the dogs settled as if they were listening,” said Tarbuck. “They knew it wasn’t just another day in the park. The energy changed.”
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