Last night the family went to a special “Blessing Of The Animals” service at the church we currently attend. For those unaware of this type of service, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The service is held on the front lawn, and anyone who wants to attend brings their pet, and the pet is blessed by one of the pastors in the church. It’s a cute idea, and an excuse to show off your pet to everyone in attendance, while also getting to meet and greet a bunch of new animals too.

Here are a few highlights:

My daughter Melody read from scripture. Genesis 1. She was excellent at it, although she accidentally pulled the mike out of its stand when she went to adjust it to her height. She couldn’t get it back in, so she just went ahead and rolled with it like the pro she is. None of the other speakers put it back either. So not only is Mel an excellent orator, but she’s also a trend setter.

Her brother just walked around and pet every dog, and ate the free snacks. The human snacks, obviously, not the dog ones.

We brought our dog, Zoey, who was very well behaved. Zoey is one of those dogs who’s just happy to be included, whatever the event. She was very friendly to all who met her, though not too friendly-no jumping or excessive licking, which was nice. She is a very docile, sweet, loving girl, and I was very proud of her. I mean, she did do a rather large poo right in front of the lead pastor, but what are you gonna do?

We also brought along Leah, our turtle. She arrived in a smaller version of her cage, with bedding and everything. It would have been funny to bring her on a leash, but it would have been uncomfortable for her and I’m not potentially hurting an animal for the sake of a joke. Anyway, she didn’t need the leash, Leah got a lot of attention on her own. It turns out turtles aren’t very common and everyone wanted to meet her and ask us questions. She was a hit!

Obviously, since we brought our turtle, there were no rules about what kind of animal you could bring, and wouldn’t you know it, someone took it too far. Somebody brought a big, hairy, grey spider. It was in a special plastic container, but still. They brought a big, hairy, scary-ass spider into the House of The Lord!!! Satan is real, y’all, that’s all I can say.

Toward the end of the evening, after the service proper but while everyone was still milling about and being social, Old Man Cat In A Basket showed up. I call him that because I don’t know his name, but he was an old guy who brought along his cat in a large whicker basket. Therefore, I will from here on out refer to him only as Old Man Cat In A Basket. Even if I do learn his name.

Everyone else brought a picture of their cat (like we did with Pepper), since events like this aren’t exactly made for kitties. Not this dude. He came strutting up, confident as anything, with his orange cat Sparky (you guys-the cat’s name is Sparky!!! I know! Adorbs!) ready to receive the blessing and totally owning the moment. Now, I know absolutely nothing about Old Man Cat In A Basket and Sparky, but I can guarantee there’s a heart warming film somewhere in that story. Somebody get Hollywood on the phone. Now.

Anyway, it was a nice thing for the church to do, a good community builder, and a pleasant way to spend one of the last Sunday evenings before the weather begins to turn. I hope you all had a great Sunday too, and that you’ll meet me back here next Monday for whatever it is I’m going to do then.