Unity Pet Blessing +  in Remembrance of St Francis of Assisi + 1st Sunday of October

Francis of Assisi, October 4, renewer of the church, 1226
 
Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant who renounced his wealth and future inheritance and devoted himself to serving the poor, describing his choice as being, “wedded to Lady Poverty.”
 
Francis of Assisi, lover of all creation, champion of justice, patron saint of animals and the environment, founded the Franciscan Order. 
The custom of blessing pets is conducted at Unity in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures during the regular Sunday service closest to October 4th. 

For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature.

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye with our dog, cat, or other pet, we are two creatures of love.