Missionhurst Fr. Mel Portula, pastor of St. Ann Church in Arlington, sprinkles holy water on a dog during a blessing of the animals outside the church Oct. 5. ANN M. AUGHERTON  |  CATHOLIC HERALD

Two dogs bark at newcomers during the pet blessing at St. Mark Church in Vienna Oct. 4. ZOEY MARAIST  |  CATHOLIC HERALD

Missionhurst Fr. Mel Portula, pastor of St. Ann Church in Arlington, leads a blessing of animals outside the church Oct. 5. ANN M. AUGHERTON  |  Catholic Herald

A leopard gecko hangs on to his owner during the pet blessing at St. Mark Church in Vienna Oct. 4.  ZOEY MARAIST  |  CATHOLIC HERALD 

A cat prepares to be blessed during the pet blessing at St. Mark Church in Vienna Oct. 4. ZOEY MARAIST  |  CATHOLIC HERALD

A newly blessed dog trots around following the pet blessing at St. Mark Church in Vienna Oct. 4. ZOEY MARAIST  |  CATHOLIC HERALD

Deacon John P. Allen sprinkles holy water on dogs during the pet blessing. ZOEY MARAIST  |  CATHOLICHERALD

A dog awaits a blessing before the pet blessing at St. Mark Church in Vienna Oct. 4. ZOEY MARAIST  |  CATHOLIC HERALD 

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