Well bless you, my pet

A Dandenong church will be blessing pets on Sunday 9 October.
For the first time, St James’ Anglican Church on Langhorne Street is welcoming animals to attend a special service at 2pm on the day.
“The pet receives a personalised blessing from the priest,” Reverend Michael Danaher said.
“It’s associated with St Francis of Assisi. He’s basically the patron saint of animals.
“His feast day is celebrated by the church each year on the fourth of October.”
Rev Danaher said the ceremony would likely take place outside, weather permitting, to ensure space for all creatures great and small.
“It’s just recognising that animals are an important part of our lives,” he said.
“Our pets, in a lot of cases, are an extension of the family.”