Special blessing for pets at Dudley church
A church is set to hold more pet blessings in the future - after a successful event involving dozens of dogs.
Around 100 people brought their dogs to St John's Church in Dudley, so their furry loved ones could be blessed.
They also took part in a guided group dog-walk around the grounds of the two-and-a-half acre cemetery on Saturday.
Deb Brownlee, a founding member of the church's preservation group, said: "The church has always been pet-friendly, but this was a special day.
"The vicar went round and blessed each animal in the service.
"He put his hand on their head and gave a blessing. Blessings were also given to all the people who care for the animals, and to poorly animals, and animals who are no longer with us."
The service was led by reverend Hugh Burton.
Deb said the church is keen to hold regular pet blessings in the future, and welcome all types of animals to attend.
Three animal welfare groups were invited to attend and hold a free stall. These were Ravens Rescue, based in Dudley, Animal House Rescue, which has foster carers based across the Black Country, and Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, based in Dudley.
Deb said she received good feedback on the event from all those that attended and the animal groups.
