The blessing takes place each year at St. Eustace on the Sunday closest to Oct. 4, which is the Feast Day of St. Francis. Rev. Kenneth Hitch, rector of the St. Eustace Episcopal Church, led the group in several prayers and collects before making his way around to bless every animal in attendance.

“When we bless something, a good way to think of it is it’s a way for us to pause and to grow in our acknowledgment of and appreciation of something, just to recognize the importance of its being,” he said. “With the animals, they’re our pets. They’re our companions. They show God’s love to us in a way that’s just very unique and comprehensive. … They, in fact, bless us.”

During the blessing, there was a remembrance for Dr. John Cogar, a longtime local veterinarian who died in August. Cogar was remembered for his care of creatures, both great and small.

“He, in a very caring, loving, pastoral way, was present in the community for so many people and their pets and caring for them in a very kind and generous way,” Hitch said.

Jacques, left, says hello to Chip at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid on Sunday during the church’s Blessing of the Animals. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Looking over Main Street from St. Eustace Episcopal Church on a clear day, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. Whether it’s the High Peaks to the south, the Sentinel Range to the east or Mirror Lake below, the stunning backdrop is thanks in large part to hard-fought efforts to conserve and steward the natural environment.

“It just fits perfectly with St. Francis’ story,” Hitch said.

He added that over the past few decades, the environmental focus has taken on an added significance in St. Francis’ celebration.

“As we grow in the Christian church in our understanding of care of creation and the environment, it’s not only animals, it’s expanded … to focus also on the environment and how the Earth is being impacted by our presence as human beings,” he said. “The choices we’re making and also how best we can steward creation, how we can best care for creation, not just take advantage of it and use it, but also make sure that it continues to thrive.”

Rev. Ken Hitch blesses Penelope, a 3-year-old miniature dachshund held by Amy Pasco, at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid on Sunday during the church’s Blessing of the Animals. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Chip, front, and Rocket smile and wag at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid on Sunday during the church’s Blessing of the Animals. Caroline Roy is holding Chip’s leash and Matt Roy is holding Rocket’s leash. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

George Master holds up Moose at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid on Sunday during the church’s Blessing of the Animals. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Rev. Ken Hitch reads the prayer of St. Francis at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid on Sunday during the church’s Blessing of the Animals. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Ali and Richard Miller smile with Misty, right, and Muppet at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid on Sunday after the church’s Blessing of the Animals. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)