The selflessness of pets

At the fourth annual Pet Blessing, which took place Saturday morning in the parking lot of Unity Church of Indianapolis, 907 N. Delaware, the proceedings were pretty informal. There’s a good chance this goes without saying.

Illustration by Penelope Dullaghan

Basically, we showed up, introduced our dogs to one another — there was one cat, in a cat carrier, who wasn’t really introduced to anyone — then listened to a short prayer by the Rev. Gloria, a visibly kind and animal-loving person who spoke about the selflessness and therapeutic qualities of pets. Then, one by one, we each moseyed up, waited as she blessed our fuzzy friend, collected a pendant of St. Francis and a Snausage and went on our way. It was really nice.

The dogs all got along, just as all the people did, and occasional passersby paused and cocked their heads. Our dog Vince was, by a slim margin, the cutest in attendance.

A chubby terrier/chow mix trotted through the crowd, showing off his off-leash skills.

Two Pomeranians prowled the asphalt, miniature dragons who breathed dog breath instead of fire.

Guide-dogs-in-training tried to behave as their sighted instructors disciplined them, steering them to their higher calling with clearly-spoken commands.

A dark gray poodle openly whimpered for attention, the way people secretly wish they could, rolling repeatedly onto her back in request of a belly-rub.

And Kelsey, a once-abandoned, now-beloved golden retriever, strained at her leash almost the whole time, excited to be there and to meet everybody. After pulling a little too enthusiastically once, she let out a quick cough to clear her throat.

“Bless you,” I said, and Kelsey looked up at me, smiling.

For upcoming events, call Unity Church at 317-635-4066 or visit their Web site at www.unityofindy.com.