| | Published October 12th, 2011
| All Creatures, Great and Small
| | Cathy Dausman |  | | Dolly and her new friends
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Cats, dogs and even a chicken named Beatrix took advantage of a Blessing of the Animals offered October 2 following St. Giles Sunday service at St. Mary's College.
The chapel plaza held dogs large and small, friendly and not so friendly, and a pair of cats safely confined in their carriers. Reverend Teri Gilmore presided over the brief prayer service. Each animal was sprinkled with water when blessed; more than a few dogs tried to drink from Gilmore's bowl. A basket of stuffed animals was also presented for blessing; the church runs a "comfort ministry" and distributes stuffed pets to children involved with the Contra Costa court system.
The service was just winding down when one participant noticed a late arrival. Her name was Dolly, and she made a grand entrance galloping up the long green chapel lawn. "Am I too late?" rider/owner Kate Sullivan asked breathlessly. Sullivan wanted to include her Belgian mare in the service. Gilmore was happy to oblige. And as Dolly cast a wistful look back at the delicious green grass she'd just trod, the other participants gathered 'round for a meet and greet.
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 | | Blessing of the animals, St. Giles Episcopal congregation
|  | | Dolly outside St. Mary's chapel. Don't worry -- she didn't go in!...
|  | | Nellita Antezana, of Lafayette, with her chicken Beatrix
|  | | One cat ready for a blessing
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Bless this Labrador... Photos Cathy Dausman
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA