PETERSHAM – The Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church held a Blessing of the Animals on the Petersham North Common on Sunday, Oct. 1.

The parts of the brief service were written by local youths and were animal-themed. Pastor Geoffrey Smith blessed over 20 dogs, as small as a blind and deaf Yorkie rescue to as big as an adolescent Newfoundland, as well as two guinea pigs, a calico rescue cat, and a chicken. Collected pet food was donated to local shelters.