Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, at 37015 Orange Valley Lane in Dade City, had a Blessing of the Animals service on Oct. 7 to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his affinity for animals. People brought their animals to be blessed, and shared a potluck meal together. Rio, a Biewer Terrier, gives his attention to Pastor Mark Reiff, left, as the pastor gives the dog a blessing. The canine’s owners Larry Comer, back, and Marcia Alexander look on. Pastor Reiff said that the event is important because the word ‘animal’ comes from the Latin word ‘anima,’ which means ‘spirit.’ ‘Every living thing has the spirit in them,’ he said. ‘We have an obligation to the anima of the Earth to do this.’ (Christine Holtzman)
