TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - For some pet owners the blessing of animals is a day they look forward to each year.
"We always make it a habit to come out here for the blessing of the animals especially with Oliver and Patty's kids," said Dan Franklin, owner of multiple pets. "For five years now, that's what we've always done with all their kids, and it means a lot to us. It means a lot to the community."
This marks the 18th year for All Saints Episcopal Church to hold this event and for pet owners, whether they brought a dog, a cat, a monkey or even a guinea pig to receive a blessing they all say that through the blessing experience their pets will live a long, healthy and prosperous life.
"Our pets have been a great blessing to us at our house," adds Mary Howard King, pet owner. "My husband is a veterinarian and so our animals are a big part of our family at home."
"We thought it would be a great way to start our relationship with our dog and give her a little blessing to start our journey together," added Meg Dudley, dog owner.
For some pet owners they have their own reason as to why their love ones needed a blessing.
"These cats are kind of crazy," adds Warner King, cat owner. "I feel like they need a little bit of a blessing to calm themselves down."
"Anytime you deal with God and get blessed there's no way it can go wrong," added Franklin. "That's always going to be better."
Besides the blessing, pet owners are also hoping more people will become owners of pets and say the reward far outweighs the expenses involved.
"They're missing out on unconditional love that you get from an animal," adds Tish Kelley, pet owner. "There's nothing like it. They will always love you when you're sad, happy or mad. They're never going to leave your side."
For some people that's the perfect therapy to have after a challenging day.
