Thanking furry friends

PETS are a massive part of many people’s lives and sometimes it’s nice to say thanks to the four-legged friends that bring so much joy into the world.

On Sunday October 1, The Blessing of the Animals Festival will be held St. Wilfrids Church in Mt. Duneed at 11am.

Vicar Steve Copland will be running the service and is looking forward to seeing many parishioners with their furry friends.

“It’s a day to say thank you to God for the animals that we have, our pets, the blessings that they are, the joy that they bring us and the benefits we receive by having them in our lives,” Vicar Steve said.

“The blessing of the animals is usually held on St Francis day in most churches, St Francis being the patron saint of animals and those who love animals.

“It’s a bit like a thanksgiving for the animals.”

This is Vicar Steve’s first year at St Wilfrids, having previously been located at Barwon Heads.

“I’ve run this blessing service before in Barwon Heads. Everyone is allowed to bring their pets; it should be a really great morning.”

Following the service will be a pet parade with great prizes for the best dressed, most unusual, cutest, cuddliest, youngest, and oldest pet.

Parishioners are also encouraged to bring a photo of their pet to enter the pet photo completion, judged by Torquay pet photographer Wendy Mitchell.

Devonshire teas will be available after the service.

St Wilfrids is located on the corner of the Surfcoast Highway and Duneed Road.