As many as 100 pets -- mostly dogs, but also a couple of chickens and several cats -- were the special guests for a spiritual ceremony at Monroe Park in Richmond yesterday.

Some played and clashed with other dogs, others barked and stayed still as a choir sang "O Sing Unto the Lord."

Then their owners prayed for them, and religious leaders blessed their heads with water.

The Blessing of the Animals sponsored by Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 8 N. Laurel St. was a celebration of God's creatures, said the Rev. Jason T. Roberts, associate to the rector for service and evangelism ministries at the church.

"It is a wonderful way to remind us to make sure that we provide the best care that we can" to the pets, said Roberts, who blessed his own 4-year-old Walker coonhound.

Twins Richie and Mary McGuire, 13, and 15-year-old brother J.P. brought three of their pets for the blessing -- chickens Kakkie and Isabella and cat Joe.

"It was really fun," the twins said of the ceremony. Members of the family, which attends Grace & Holy Trinity, had been talking about the event for weeks trying to decide which of their pets they would bring, they said. Their dog, a fish and a rooster had to stay at home in Goochland County, they said.

The kids love their pets and thought it was good to have a special event to honor them, said their father, Billy McGuire.

"All of our animals are truly godsends," he said.

Richmond resident Francis Phillips brought 10-year-old Maddie, a springer spaniel. Phillips' daughter Celia, 7, said she was excited about having a chance to see dogs of different breeds.

"We wanted the dog to be blessed," Phillips said as Celia painted a dog bandana right outside the church.

Yesterday's event coincided with the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals.

The Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals partnered with the church for the event and had several dogs for adoption yesterday.

Robin Starr, chief executive officer of Richmond SPCA, said she hopes the Blessing of the Animals will become an annual event at the church.

"It is a lovely statement of our love to them," she said.
Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or llazo@timesdispatch.com.