Greyfriars Kirk Takes The Lead With Pet Blessing Ceremony
An Edinburgh church is opening its doors to a new breed of worshipper by holding a pet blessing.
Greyfriars Kirk will welcome dogs, cats and potentially even a pony during the ceremony this Sunday which is expected to attract up to 50 animals.
Organisers predict the majority attending will be Skye terriers - the same breed as Bobby, the legendary dog said to have loyally guarded his master's grave in Greyfriars kirkyard in the mid-19th century.
Now in its third year, Reverend Dr Richard Frazer said the pet blessing is growing in popularity.
Dogs are the most common animal to be brought along by their owners because the event is in conjunction with the Skye Terrier Club, but it could be any kind of pet - we've been told there might even be a Shetland pony this year,'' he said.
The only thing I feel strongly about is snakes, I'd rather there were no snakes.
It is a bit of fun. It emphasises the kinship between pets and their families, and we have people coming who are not necessarily parishioners because of the story of Greyfriars' Bobby.''
The blessing, at 3pm, will be followed by a pet parade, a cup of tea and some dog biscuits.