COEUR d'ALENE — When Kay Nadler and her husband, Charles, went to a dog breeder to find a four-legged companion, they didn't choose a puppy to bring home.

Instead, Kay said their dog, Spencer, chose them.

"He came right over to me and laid in my lap before falling asleep," Kay said. "He's been a blessing to us."

The Nadlers were among many pet owners who chose to return the blessings their animal companions brought them by attending the 18th annual "Blessing of the Animals" event at the Kootenai Humane Society Thrift Store in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday. Father Roger LaChance, pastor at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene, was one of two priests who read a prayer of blessing over pets during the event.

"He's a wonderful little friend," Kay said after Spencer was prayed over and had Holy Water drizzled on him. "We wanted to get him blessed."

Judy Crowe, who helped found the humane society, suggested that the organization hold an event to bless animals in the community 18 years ago, and it's been a tradition ever since. LaChance said the event also coincides with the St. Francis of Assisi feast day, which takes place on Oct. 4 and honors the patron saint of animals and the natural environment.

"It's a reminder to us that these animals are gifts from God, sent to us as companions and helpers," LaChance said. "We bless them today as a simple reminder."

LaChance added that St. Francis, an Italian Roman Catholic friar and preacher, had a "great repertoire with the creatures of the earth and sky" and was often with either a bird or a dog.

"It means a lot to me," said Cheryl Wilson, a Coeur d'Alene resident who brought her dog, Kyre, to the event. "Everybody, every animal, needs prayer and healing."

Kathy Goodwin, a volunteer at the thrift store who has helped organize the blessing for the last eight years, said she enjoys helping and providing the community with the free service. Last year, Goodwin said more than 35 animals were brought to the thrift store, and two years ago a group of goats even made an appearance.

"Usually though it's one cat and a whole bunch of dogs," Goodwin said. "They need to be blessed as much as people do — they're wonderful companions."

Bonnie Niles-Bush, a Coeur d'Alene resident who brought her Labrador, Squirrel, and her Greyhound, Rosie, to be blessed, told The Press she has been attending the event for years, and is a huge supporter of the humane society. She said the organization is near and dear to her heart, before pausing to reflect when asked why she consistently brings her dogs to be blessed each year.

"You want your pets to be healthy for many years. You want the best for them," Niles-Bush said. "They mean so much to me, I just want them looked over."