Submitted

On Oct. 4, despite the cold and drizzling rain, families assembled on the lawn of First United Methodist Church of Salisbury for a “Blessing of the Animals.” Twenty-eight dogs received a blessing. Dr. Charles Steinman and Dr. Lea Echeverry, two veterinary doctors from the congregation, assisted with the blessing.  Pastor Mark Conforti says, “These animals are absolutely part of our families. Sometimes we feel a closer bond with our pets than our own flesh and blood, for no other reason than spending so much time every day with our pets. And so it is a good and joyful thing to ask for God’s blessing upon them, that they remain healthy, strong, and playful.”