Contributed by Candy Olmer

Down on the farm became the atmosphere at the late service on Oct. 2 in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The Rev. Bob Rhoads led the ninth annual celebration of the St. Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing for a multitude of critters.

Pet owners brought their animals to the altar for Rhoads to say a prayer and anoint them with holy water. An array of dogs from tiny Chihuahuas to a large St. Bernard puppy, plus a few quiet cats, made appearances.

Yvette Two Rabbits Ludwar, founder of the Native Horsemanship Riding Center in Sequim, brought Owachi, a 27-inch miniature horse, two French hens and a rabbit. Two huskies even tried herding the horse along in the sanctuary.

Helen Bucher brought her duck, Peeper Squeak, who is known to people who visit the Museum & Arts Center in Sequim.

Church members donated money and hundreds of pounds of pet food for Peninsula Friends of Animals to stock its food supply for low-income people’s pets. The environment was noisy but Rhoads said he didn’t mind the “dog comments” during his sermon.

Contact St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 525 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim, at 683-4862.