PRESS PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA SANTO St. John's United Church of Christ, Mickleys, Pastor Virginia Schlegel blesses Milo, a dachshund mix, during the church's first blessing of the pets event, held Oct. 17 in the church parking lot, 2918 MacArthur Road, Whitehall. The event featured a scripture reading and two hymns with piano accompaniment. The blessing can be given to the animal itself or the human-animal relationship.

Schlegel blesses Willow, a double doodle, during the special outdoor service.