Several dozen Abilene animal lovers brought their furry, scaled and hairless best friends Sunday to the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest's annual Blessing of the Animals.
The event aims to place a veil of protection on pets and remind human stewards that animals are God's creation.
The menagerie included a wheezing English bulldog, a quizzical-looking ferret, Chihuahuas in tutus, and a hairless cat adorned in a fall-themed sweater.
The service began amid a cacophony of barks, yips, squeals and the persistent bleating of a goat. Each animal received a blessing and a medal, a symbol of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Francis lived in 12th century Italy and is known for his great love of animals and his ability to preach the Gospel to birds, bees and beasts.
Lorri Profit and Dana Vickers brought Spartacus, a 3-year-old Australian bearded dragon, for his second blessing.
What's an Australian bearded dragon? Imagine an orange, supersized horned toad, this one adorned with a leopard print bandanna.
The pair also brought Aurelia, a baby bearded dragon. Profit said she'll be able to walk the reptile on a leash once she's a little older and more socialized.
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