STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Has Rover been having temper tantrums lately? Has Meow the Cat been hissing?
Take ‘em to the annual Blessing of the Animals.
The Rev. Ken Brannon and John Moreland will be blessing animals large and small so they can “be the best animal they can be” at noon Sunday, Oct. 1, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Sun Valley Road in Ketchum.
In past years, people have trotted out everything from a donkey to a turtle—even chickens and stuffed animals--with treats for all.
Brannon said the service is meant to thank God for the creatures. Those who develop compassion and generosity towards their animals are more likely to show compassion and generosity towards others.
“I love turtles because they just sit there,” said Brannon. “And I’ve had people bring ashes so that I might bless the memory of their departed pets.”