SWEETWATER COUNTY — Thirty-one dogs, two cats, and two stuffed animals received blessings at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion on Sunday morning.

The Rev. Dr. Bernadine Craft was the celebrant and preacher for the service, which focused on celebrating the animals in our lives.

“This is probably what the ark sounded like,” said Craft to the congregation, the sounds of barking echoing off the walls during the service.

The Episcopal Church, as part of the Anglican Communion, remembers St. Francis of Assisi as the patron saint of animals.  Many churches schedule animal blessings in October in remembrance of the Feast Day of St. Francis, which is October 4.

Following in the footsteps of St. Francis, the church believes that “all God’s creatures are worthy of our concern, protection, and prayer.” The Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare works to raise awareness of issues such as animal cruelty and abuse.