All Creatures Great and Small

Even better than the fact that this was our third time attending the Blessing of the Animals in celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Francis, was the fact that this is our second year in a row securing a blessing for Miles' imaginary dog, Snandy.

These Episcopalians, Lord love them, will give out blessings to anyone, for free! As if they cost nothing!

Miles holds Snandy by the leash.

It was so adorable, you guys. Our priest knelt to bless Snandy, hand poised over a spot about 2.5 feet above the ground. Later, our Christian education director pet a spot about the same height. Miles confided, "Miss E. and Father S. think Snandy is taller than he really is." I told him, "Father S. and Miss E. really love you. But it's very, very hard for grownups to see Snandy. You have to help us."

Snandy: A Portrait

I will sure miss Snandy when he wanders off to that place where the imaginary friends go when they are outgrown. But I know he'll have great company in the invisible lion I had when I was a kid, and in the like of Puff the Magic Dragon.

Anyway, there were a number of non-imaginary dogs there as well!

It was a glorious little service and such a sweet way to end the weekend.

Adele got a kick out of the chance for a pavement run in the sun.

O God, who made everything good, teach us to love what you have made. Help us to see
you in the stars and planets, the trees and flowers, the rocks and the rivers, and
especially in these pets of ours you have entrusted to our care. How great is your name,
O Lord our God, through all the earth. Amen.
-A Prayer for Pets