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Church of the Holy Trinity: Blessing of the Animals (stuff-animals too!)

Oct. 6, 2013 — Constructed in French Gothic style of the 13th century and adorned in rich terra-cotta sculptures, the church stood magnificently against a backdrop of grey, post-rained sky. Its soaring towers reached upward, as if pining for Heavenly Father. It was a beautiful Sunday.

My revelry, however, was short lasting and was interrupted by staccato barking — Woof, woof, woof. Dogs of all sizes — Rottweilers, Labradors, Boxers, Yorkies, Corgis, to name a few,  eagerly ran up the church steps. Before entering, owners grabbed bone-shaped dog treats from a basket. The atmosphere was cheerful and intimate, as people exchange greetings and compliments (for their dogs of course).

Every Autumn, the Church of the Holy Trinity[1], a neighborhood Episcopal parish in the Upper East Side, celebrates St. Francis’ day[2] with the Blessing of the Animals.

Puppy Love.Still002

(image credit: John Zongmin Chow)

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