Flagg Road United Church of Christ, and First Church of Christ Congregational each held special services to bless animals on Sunday October 5, 2014.

By Joy Taylor

If you were in the worship service at the Flagg Road United Church of Christ on Sunday morning, you met some new furry friends during the heartfelt, meaningful, and lively service of Blessing of the Animals.

Seeing dogs in West Hartford Center is nothing new, but on Sunday afternoon, on the front lawn of First Church of Christ Congregational, a dozen pooches (and one kitty) were given special blessings by pastors Geordie Campbell and Nanette Pitt.

The tradition of the Blessing of The Animals falls on St. Francis Day, honoring the patron saint of all creatures great and small.