Get your pet blessed and dressed at church's St. Francis day event

The Rev. Jane Maynard of Christ Episcopal Church smiles with her dog, Coco, wearing a handmade bandana made from homemade, natural dye. Bring your pets to be blessed at Christ Episcopal Church on Sunday, Oct. 4, in honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. Local artist Judy Newland and a small group are dyeing bandanas for the pets, with natural dyes made from flowers grown in the church's garden. All pets that come to get blessed will go home with a bandana and homemade treats. There is no cost to attend, but pet food donations for the Blaine Food Bank are much appreciated. Pets will get their photos taken, and there will be a prize for the best-dressed pet. The event runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett St.