That was the question from the Rev. Stan McGraw at a special ceremony to bless animals at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Friday.

“I do!” replied the children of the church’s preschool and kindergarten classes.

“Well, animals like that a lot too,” McGraw said.

McGraw then described how St. Francis’ love for animals was the reason they were gathered to give their pets and stuffed animals a blessing.

“It’s a special day,” said kindergarten teacher Abbie Atkinson. “We’ve focused on pets and collected pet food for donations the whole week.”

Rene Richter brought Scarlett, his family’s 2-year-old parrot, because “she was probably the calmest of our pets.”

Isabella Richter, Rene’s daughter, had taken her stuffed animal Sugar Sprinkles for the blessing as well.

Colin Rettig waited with his three hermit crabs and stuffed animal Dog. The crabs are named Crabby, Crabby Crab and Crab.

“He’s excited,” said Colin’s mother, Laura Rettig, as she watched the blessing.

The reverend took every stuffed or living animal in his hand and after learning their name gave them a blessing.

“It’s fun to do, and everyone just really enjoys it,” McGraw said.

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