The annual Blessing of the Pets in honor of St. Francis Day will be held at noon on Saturday, Oct. 4, at All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 2048 Conn Road, half way between Whitefish and Columbia Falls, on Montana 40.

People of all denominations and their pets are welcome to participate. Each pet will receive a certificate, a St. Francis medal for his or her collar and a treat.

 To celebrate the memory of this beloved patron saint of the animals, for every pet brought to the service, All Saints Church will honor that animal by giving $10, to be divided between the Friends of the Flathead County Shelter, the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force, and the Kaawa ‘pomaaka Society serving homeless dogs and cats on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

The church also has a service for the burial of companion animals. Prayers will be offered at the Blessing of the Pets to remember these animals. People wishing to honor their companion friends who have died are welcome to bring the ashes of the pet, a toy, a picture of their beloved companion, or another article which reminds them of the pet for that portion of the service.

All pets must be on leashes, in crates or kennels or otherwise restrained for safety. For more information, call the church at 862-2863.