'Blessing of the Animals' recognizes spiritual attachment to pets

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A "Blessing of the Animals" ceremony took place in Chicago's Printers Row neighborhood Sunday morning.

People and their pets gathered outside Grace Episcopal Church in the 600-block of Dearborn Street. A procession followed.

The event is for the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Every year the church holds the blessing to recognize and embrace what they say is an emotional and often spiritual attachment people have to their pets.