All Saints Anglican Church’s annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Oct. 3 was a tail-wagging success by all reports. One or two growls and a whole lot of barking competed with the singing and musical celebration which followed the blessings administered by Fr. Jeff Johnson, first at the Middlesex County Animal Shelter in Cooks Corner, and later, outside the church in Saluda, despite the threat of raindrops. Roxy the K-9 dog was a star with her handler Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office Detective Brittany Randall.
Inside the church, a fundraiser collection for the local pet charity, Middlesex Pet Friends for Life, was made and submitted to their treasurer. Fr. Jeff Johnson told the history of St. Francis of Assisi and led everyone in the Prayer of St. Francis. Dr. Cheryl Davis provided the sing-along concert with a wonderful collection of “animal” songs made popular over many decades, with the accompaniment of flautist Laurie Rowe, cellist Nina Buzby and violinist Dr. Kevin Crowder.
Dog biscuits were shared by all!
