Blessing of the Animals set for this weekend

Several Blessing of the Animals events are set for Saturday and Sunday throughout the South Bay.

They have been traditionally tied to the Oct. 4 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, with Jewish congregations tying the celebrations to the story of Noah and the flood from the book of Genesis.

For inspiration, we give you Desi, one of two Chihuahuas owned by Daily Breeze colleague Sandy Gerety, in the photo below (that's Sandy's daughter Rachel holding Desi).

If Desi looks a bit terrified, Sandy says it's because she had been having tummy troubles at the time and when the priest went to touch her tummy for an extra blessing, well, Desi just wasn't so keen on the idea.

Coming up Saturday and Sunday in the South Bay (all dogs must be onleash and smaller pets need to be in carriers). Readers are invited to send us photos they take at any of these (or other) events for posting next week:

Saturday (Oct. 2) events:

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Lutheran Church and School presents the second annual Blessing God's Creatures Festival. Pets will receive free souvenir buttons labeled "I've Been Blessed." Other highlights include a petting zoo, pony rides, exhibitors, demonstrations, door prizes, free samples, refreshments and a mobile vaccine clinic. 2900 W. Carson St., Torrance. Call 310-320-9920.

10 a.m., St. Anastasia Catholic Church invites the community to bring their pets and animal friends. All species are welcome. Every pet will be recognized and blessed for the friendship and companionship it brings. Animals need to be brought in carriers or on leashes. 7390 W. Manchester Ave., near Westchester. Call 310-670-2243 or e-mail parish@st-anastasia.org.

11 a.m., St. John Fisher Catholic Church will hold its 24th annual Blessing of the Animals on the school patio. Monsignior Steven Zak will officiate. Each animal will be blessed individually and receives a "Blessed Creature" badge. 5448 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. This is a free, nondenominational event.

Sunday (Oct. 3) events:

10:30 a.m., Unity Church of South Bay will celebrate with a nondenominational full service devoted to the human-animal connection. Each pet will receive a certificate of blessing and a ribbon. Those who want to honor a deceased pet or who cannot bring their pet are welcome to bring a photo to be blessed. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and small animals must be in carrying cases. 2545 W. 237th St., Torrance, Call 310-325-2760.

4 p.m., St. Peter's Episcopal Church's annual Blessing of the Animals will include goodie bags filled with treats. a representative from a local animal clinic will also be available to provide free pet care information and to answer questions. 1648 W. Ninth St., San Pedro. Call 310-831-2361.

5 p.m., Congregation Tikvat Jacob invites the community its Pet Havdalah, where people can bring their pets for a special Havdalah service to close Shabbat Noah. The service will include special blessings and treats for the pets and their humans. 1829 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach. Call 310-546-3667 or e-mail office@ctjmb.org.