Darien's Blessing of the Animals

Twelve-year-old Sammie Berry brought her Australian Shepherds, Loki and Mystic, to be blessed at the First Congregational Church's Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, September 30, 2012 in Darien, Connecticut. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

The Reverend Dale Rosenberger of the First Congregational Church blesses Heather Raker's Cockapoo, Sidney, at the Blessing of the Animals last Sunday, September 20, 2012, in Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

The Reverend Dale Rosenberger of the First Congregational Church blesses Heather Raker's Cockapoo, Sidney, at the Blessing of the Animals last Sunday, September 30, 2012, in Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

The First Congregational Church welcomed all pets - large and small - mammal, reptile, avian or fish - to be blessed after last Sunday's service. Four-year-old Jane Westbrook was excited to bring "Swirl" to Rev. Dale Rosenberger's attention. September 30, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Caroline Wygal, Owen Sheed and Ben Sheed, welcomed the community to the First Congregational Church to have their animals blessed last Sunday. In remembrance of St. Francis of Assissi's love for all creatures, this is customarily a Sunday celebrated close to St. Francis' Feast Day. September 30, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Even pets that have long since left us were blessed at the Blessing of the Animals at the First Congrational Church in Darien last Sunday. Caroline Wygal presented the Reverend Dale Rosenberger with a photo of late Scottish Terrier, Belle. September 30, 2012, Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Three-year-old Juliette gives her dog, Teddy, a big hug at the Blessing of the Animals at the First Congregational Church last Sunday, September 30, 2012, in Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Older sister Anna plays with her 6-month-old Golden Retriever, Teddy, while younger sister Juliette looks on, during the Blessing of the Animals at the First Congregational Church in Darien, Connecticut, September 30, 2012. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard

Ten-year-old Owen Sheed takes care of business during the Blessing of the Animals at the First Congregational Church last Sunday - with his faithful Black Lab! September 30, 2012, in Darien, Conn. Photo: Jeanna Petersen Shepard