Blessed are the beasts
<p>GABE GREEN/Press Pastor Heather Seman pets Meka, a Poodle Pomeranian mix owned by Cindy Stevinson of Coeur d'Alene, during the Community United Methodist Church pet blessing ceremony Sunday afternoon.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - Even animals can use some help from above.
St. Francis of Assisi knew it.
But Socks the female Australian shepherd was having none of it Sunday at a pet blessing ceremony at Community United Methodist Church in Coeur d'Alene.
Socks darted back and forth at the end of her owner Donette Jemison's leash, appearing frantic, giving an occasional bark as Jemison tried to coax the animal forward to be prayed over by Pastor Heather Seman.
"If I can't pet you, how do you want me to bless you?" Seman said, squatting down and holding out a treat.
After a few minutes, Socks snatched the offering, gobbling it down.
Soon, Seman gently held the growling dog's face in her hands and prayed. Socks calmed down as Seman spoke quietly, looking into the animal's eyes.
Socks was one of about 10 pets brought to the church to be blessed.
Jemison and her husband, Jim, also brought their lab mix, Tippy, and a bright green Senegal parrot named Mr. Peepers.
"I know you bring joy and color to the world," Seman said, as she blessed the bird.
Jemison, a member of Community United Methodist, said she always thought they should have something at church for pets.
"When I heard about this, I couldn't wait for the day to bring them," Jemison said.
She said she would have brought her three cats along too, but didn't have carriers for them.
It's the third year Community United Methodist has welcomed furry, feathered and scaled friends to the church for some spiritual healing.
Most pet blessings are held in October, the month of Roman Catholic St. Francis of Assisi's Feast Day. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals.
"But the weather's not so good then," Seman said.
It wasn't so good earlier Sunday, with heavy rain, thunder and lightning into the afternoon. The skies cleared in time for the blessing at 3 p.m., but it still affected the turnout, bringing out just a few dogs, a couple of cats and one bird. In the past, Seman said horses, rabbits and other types of animals have been brought to be blessed. Some animal lovers have come with pictures of pets - a dog that died, a lame horse.
Seman said animals offer and inspire some of the traits Jesus taught - loyalty, compassion, kindness.
"I think animals are some of the blessings God has given us," she said.