Animals make church-goers paws for thought at annual pet blessing

When Reverend Snowball arrived at St Thomas’ she was greeted by a well-groomed congregation.
But it wasn’t the usual church-goers in their Sunday best who sat in the pews.
Instead, pampered pooches filled the Springwell church for a very special service – a pet blessing ceremony.
The annual event, organised by Bryson’s Animal Shelter, sees parishioners’ pets blessed with holy water.
The touching service drew animal-lovers from across Gateshead and among them was Marilyn Hill, 65, whose dog Bless came to her after her sister died seven years ago aged 51.
Retired teacher Marilyn said her... read more