By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE — Grey clouds lingered overhead, a cold breeze blowing across the Arkell Hall lawn on Saturday afternoon during the Blessing of the Animals, although as soon as every animal present was blessed by one of three local Pastors, the clouds parted and the event itself was blessed with warmth and sunshine.

The first-ever Blessing of the Animals provided, said Pastor Miriam Barnes, a chance to “celebrate all of God’s creatures” — including one curious white cat that tried to go unnoticed, watching the dog-heavy ceremony crouched beneath the branches of a nearby bush.

The event featured celebratory songs, including an introductory song with fun, upbeat lyrics, including, “all God’s critters got a place in the choir, some sing low, some sing higher, some sing out loud on the telephone wire, some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they’ve got now.” The song was humorously punctuated at one point, during the chorus, by a perfectly timed bark from a furry audience member.

Saturday’s event, which was viewed from the porch above by Arkell Hall Adult Home residents, who after the blessings were given a chance to interact with some of the animals, also featured call and response prayers read by Pastors Miriam Barnes, Nancy Ryan, and Ginny Ogden, who encouraged audience participation.

Following the presentation portion of the event, which was underscored by subtle keyboard music from Norma Bowley, all present animals were provided individual blessings, one feisty dog, Davis, rolling over to receive a belly blessing from Rev. Barnes.

Also on site Saturday was a representative of Canine Companions, who travelled from Long Island, NY, with the goal of spreading information about her organization’s goals, which includes training dogs to become service animals. The organization’s present animals included three puppies in training and two “release” dogs, or “change of career dogs”, that changed their paths from assistance animals to therapy animals.