By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
A rainy afternoon didn’t keep pet owners from making sure their pets were blessed.
In celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Brewton held a special blessing service for animals Sunday.
Nearly 30 animals were blessed, including a gerbil, a cat and several dogs.
The Rev. Gary Baldwin, who conducted the blessing, said animals have the ability to bless humans every day.
Humane Society of Escambia County Director Renee Jones, along with other staff members from the shelter, was on hand for the blessing celebration to help with the animals. A few animals from the Brewton shelter also came for the event.
Jones said there are many pets in the Brewton and Atmore shelters that are ready for adoption.
Following the ceremony concessions were sold with proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Escambia County’s shelter program.