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Three-year-old Sullivan, a standard poodle, poses for the camera as his brother, Wrigley, 9, a poodle mix, is blessed Saturday by the Rev. Gabriel C. Rochelle during the annual Pet and Animal Blessing at Saint Anthony of the Desert Orthodox Mission in Las Cruces.

LAS CRUCES - Dogs, cats and even a miniature horse received a traditional blessing Saturday afternoon at Saint Anthony of the Desert Orthodox Mission, 518 N. Hadley Ave., in Las Cruces. Animals are traditionally blessed on St. Francis Day, said the Rev. Gabriel C. Rochelle, who officiated at the event, held in between the days honoring the mission's patron saint, St. Anthony, and St. Seraphim, a 19th century Russian monk known for his love of animals, especially bears.

After owners call out the name of their pet, each animal was sprinkled with water and blessed. The animals were also given pet treats from Better Life Pet Foods of Las Cruces at the free event, which was open to all.

For more information, visit stanthonylc.org



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