This Saturday, October 3rd from 10:00 am-11:00 am at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville, you and your pet—no matter how small, big, feathered, gilled, slimy, or furry—are welcome to come receive a blessing in honor of the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

Fr. Bill Breedlove has blessed everything from dogs to miniature ponies. “I will talk to the pet, then pet them or scratch their ears to let them know I am not a threat,” he said of the blessings. “The blessing follows, giving thanks to God for this animal and asking for God’s provision and protection for the pet and its owner in the upcoming year.”

A brief homily is included during the blessing, which Fr. Bill describes as a way to encourage people to reflect on where they are in their journey and what they can do to better shape themselves in the image of Christ.

Good Shepherd is a family and community-minded church located at 495 Herbert Hills Drive off Hwy. 64 East about a mile from Walgreens. Fore more information about the church and its varied programs, see the website: www.goodshepherdhayesville.org or check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/goodshepherdhayesvillenc.