Blessing of the Animals Enjoyed by All

Downtown Sacramento

October 4, 2023

On a balmy Wednesday morning on the corner of 15th and J streets in downtown Sacramento, more than 40 people took time from their day to join in the special Blessing of the Animals at historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Many stayed to join the traditional noon Eucharist service that followed.

Weaving through the people and pets gathered in the parking lot on the south side of the church, Rev. Rik Rasmussen blessed more than 30 dogs — and two Guinea pigs. 

One visitor from Sweden, drawn to the cheerful gathering, stopped to learn about the church and stayed throughout the two hours. Another, visiting Sacramento from Seattle to care for her mother, went inside after the service to enjoy the quiet sanctuary as sunlight streamed through the stained glass. Outside, songbirds flitted among the branches of the big elm tree. A third attendee, a new resident of Sacramento, mistakenly showed up on Tuesday with her pup and returned Wednesday for a blessing with her dog and a friend.

Some names we never learned. Others signed up for future events. Each shared in communion in their own manner.

Several St. Paul’s parishioners attended with their own pooches, gave rides to friends, and helped out in every way. Especially memorable were the homemade vegan dog biscuits baked by Carol Lucic, which kept the doggies smiling. Everyone appreciated that the parking lot and sidewalk were so clean, thanks to cleanup work the day before by Joe Onechyk and Matt Weiser.

We are so grateful we could provide welcoming fellowship, song and prayer in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, and to celebrate all of creation. A special thank you to the many small businesses on the downtown grid that agreed to post event flyers in their windows; and to the Sacramento Downtown Partnership and Sacramento SPCA for helping to get the word out on their websites and newsletters.