Blessed are the furs and feathers - and Helensburgh said thank you in a special service at the weekend for our fine pet friends.
St Michael and All Angels Church hosted a pet blessing service on September 30.
Deborah Pennistone-Fleming, who runs Townhead Farm, was the guest speaker. . . and brought a chicken named Supervisor.
Brenda Bain with Jem at the pet blessing ceremony, St Michael and All Angels Church, Helensburgh
Christine Fowler with Kiri
Eizabeth Hoare with Pico and Nigean
Rev Dom Ind told the Advertiser he thought it was probably the first time they'd had a chicken in the church.
Now in its third year, the blessing usually has about 20 dogs but this time also welcomed a budge, and they have had cats before. An equine popped by last year.
Hymns sung were For the "Beauty of the Earth" and "All Creatures of Our God and King".
Howard Young with Becky (left) and Tracey Blue with Jimmy (right)
Mike Weeks with Rafa
Rosemary Robertson with Freya
Rev Ind said: "They came up the aisle and I blessed them and sprinkled them with holy water.
"Some people find animals easier to relate to than human beings. Having an official blessing for their pet is particularly important.
"And some people might not come near St Michael and All Angels, but do for this service.
"I think that's quite special."
Stephen Adam with Wilfred (left) and Simon Horne with Kizzy
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