Blessing of the animals: The Rev. Phoebe A. Roaf, rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, places her hand in prayer on Renz, the 3-year-old pet of Bernard Brown and Patricia Smith, during last Saturday’s annual Blessing of the Animals service at the North Side church. Each pet received a St. Francis medal and treats. The services typically are held on or around the Oct. 4 Feast Day for St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)
