Members from the Central Minnesota Therapy Animal Association stay cool in the shade alongside the Unity Spiritual Center in Sartell while waiting for the third annual blessing of the animals and pets to begin on July 24.
Perry Rollings of Sartell, a member of Unity Spiritual Center of Sartell, holds on tight to the leashes of Kaiser the German Shepherd and Polly the pug/terrier who sit patiently on the lawn during the blessing of the animals and pets during the service on July 24.
Hashbrown, a Lab-pitbull mix, sticks a tongue out and grins widely as the dog’s owners Heather Crosthwaite and her husband J.J. of Avon pet the dog on the grounds of Unity Spiritual Center in Sartell July 24 before the blessing of the animals and pets, which the pastor credited as great and loving companions.
Lady looks around at the other animals present at the blessing of the animals at Unity Spiritual Center in Sartell on July 24 as her owner Klae Borstrom, who belongs to the church, leans against a tree with his other hand in his pocket.
Unity Spiritual Center member Stephen Murphy of St. Cloud scratches the neck of Kalli the Golden Retriever July 24 during their attendance of the blessing of the animals and pets, which was inspired by a reverence of all forms of life.
Central Minnesota Therapy Animal Association member Joyce Salzer of Cold Spring cradles Ike the Yorkshire in her left hand while petting Nahlah the Great Dane with her right hand during the blessing of the animals and pets July 24 at Unity Spiritual Center in Sartell. In past pet-blessing celebrations, participating pets have included dogs, cats, reptiles and even a horse.
Members of Unity Spiritual Center hold hands in a circle while surrounded by their pets during the blessing of the animals or pets July 24 at the Sartell church.
