DAILY LEADER / JULIA V. PENDLEY / Two local churches celebrated St. Francis of Assisi’s birthday with Blessing of the Animals ceremonies. The Rev. Anne Matthews , of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, blesses Durr and Pat Walker’s dog, Maggie.

The Rev. Frank Newell , of Decell Memorial United Methodist Church in Wesson, blesses Todd, a BARL adoptable dog brought by Rusty Adcock.

Matthews blesses Elizabeth Wesse’s Bella.