Pet week: Paws at the pews

Manhattan's All Souls Unitarian Church is one of several in New York to hold its annual animal blessing last fall.  (Patron Saint of the Animals St. Francis of Assisi's feast day is Oct. 4.)  Hamsters, cats and dogs were all welcome to receive a very special message from the pastor. Perhaps the ritual held more meaning for the humans than for their pets, but all creatures seemed to enjoy the service and we got yet another glimpse into the somewhat sacred bond between animal and human.