All are welcome to join Animal Friends on Sunday, Oct. 4, at noon, to honor St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, with a traditional “Blessing of the Animals.”

The blessing is free, and all pet owners are invited to bring their pets. Individual blessings of owned pets and a special blessing of shelter animals will be offered.

Cookies and coffee will be served, and guests and their pets will be invited to enjoy Animal Friends’ patio and gazebo.

All dogs must be on leashes, and all cats and exotic animals must be in carriers.

The Blessing of the Animals will take place at Animal Friends’ facility, the Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center, located on Camp Horne Road.

For more information, contact Animal Friends at (412)847-7035.