News Summary

SPRINGFIELD — Ginger wove through the chairs on the lawn at First United Church of Christ on Sunday morning, Aug. 10, dashing away from Claudia Jones, glancing up at the churchgoers as she passed by them.

They smiled down at the golden-haired three-year-old, who had sat quietly through the songs and prayers earlier in the morning. Now as the congregation started to mix, she trotted between them, clutching a foot in her mouth.

Ginger was one of several pets at the church on East High Street for the blessing of the pets. As soon as the service was over, the lively golden retriever started fetching the toy — a ghoulish colored rubber foot — that Jones, her owner, tossed to her.

"I just thought it was a wonderful concept to have a blessing and to recognize that we're all part of creation," she said.

Jones, a member of the church, even brought a stuffed rat with her.

"Even the rats need blessed," she said, laughing.

Other stuffed pets were blessed during the service, including a snake some people mistook for real at first glance.

"So many folks have dogs and cats, especially," said the Rev. Gail Eastwood. "And we wanted to have a reception and celebrate. We are all God's creatures."

Most of the pets were dogs, including one with three legs who battled cancer last year. Two tiny kittens, Mary and Jane, also were in the audience.

The Miller family brought three dogs: Shiner, 8; Skyler, 3; and Fairy, 7 months.

"We took them up to the dog park first to wear them out," said Alice Miller.

Fairy, the newest addition to the family, may have already been blessed. In July, when 13-year-old Helen was at a 4-H meeting with her horse at the fairgrounds, someone found the small, tan dog running in the street.

"Someone loved her enough to put a collar and flea spray on her but not enough to take her to the pound," said Alice.

Luckily for the spirited puppy, she found Helen, Alice and J.J. Miller that day.

"She followed me when I went to ask if we could keep her," said Helen.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0373 or mgildow@coxohio.com.