Divine creatures
Photos by DEVIN WEEKS/Press Sally, a 15-week-old golden retriever, receives a sprinkling of holy water from the Rev. Francisco Flores while being held by owner Bill Scrivens of Coeur d’Alene during the Blessing of the Animals at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. The blessing is held as an annual celebration of the patron saint of animals, Saint Francis of Assisi, who had a tremendous love for all of God’s creatures.
Joannie and Darryl Burnett of Post Falls smile after their poodles April May, left, and Sir Charles receive a blessing Saturday at St. Pius X Catholic Church during the Blessing of the Animals. “They’re God’s creatures too and they’re like our kids,” Joannie said. “God’s blessed us with them.”
The Rev. Francisco Flores blesses 4-year-old hound dog Dewey, accompanied by his human, Sandy Reighard of Coeur d'Alene, Saturday during the Blessing of the Animals at St. Pius X Catholic Church. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
By DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer
COEUR d’ALENE — Drops of holy water were sprinkled onto 15-week-old Sally’s furry head as she flinched and looked at the Rev. Francisco Flores with puppy wonder.
Her owners, Bill and Cindy Scrivens of Coeur d’Alene, decided to bring their new addition to the Blessing of the Animals at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Saturday to give her a little extra protection as she embarks on her life’s journey.
“We lived in California and they always had the blessings of the pets,” Cindy said. “We thought, ‘Why not?’”
More than 20 pet owners and their furkids arrived within the first half-hour of the 2-hour event.
The Rev. Francisco Flores warmly greeted them as they walked up to the church. His Jack Russell, Rico, was also a part of the welcoming committee.
“We do it in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He lived in the early part of the 13th century,” Flores said, discussing the annual blessing that honors the patron saint of animals.
“It wasn’t so much because he was an animal person, but because he loved creation,” Flores said. “He said creation itself praised God, so creation itself compels us in a way to praise God as it does, and of course, a big part of that is the animals.”
Sandy Reighard of Coeur d’Alene brought her 4-year-old canine companion Dewey, whose hound dog nose led him right to the table of doggie treats.
“I’ve never had a blessing on my dog, but I believe,” she said. “I always wanted to, and I’ve been in training with him, so now is a great time to bring him.
“I love dogs,” she said. “I love all animals, but dogs are my buddies.”
Darryl and Joannie Burnett of Post Falls bring their poodles, April May, 14, and Sir Charles, 11, to the blessing every year.
Joanie lovingly picked them up in her arms as discussed why her family chooses to bless their little bundles of fluff.
“They’re God’s creatures too and they’re like our kids,” she said, hugging them close. “God’s blessed us with them, and why wouldn’t you?”