First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 East Wayne Street, is celebrating pet owners and their animals in a special “Blessing of the Animals.”

The event will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the corner of East Wayne and Barr streets. All are welcome to bring their animal companions to be blessed during this special ceremony, which will begin at 2 p.m.

“Animals are gifts from God,” says the Rev. Cheryl Garbe, senior pastor at First Wayne Street. “They offer not just companionship but teach us about faithfulness, love, and forgiveness.”

The event is also a special opportunity for the church to partner with the statewide organization, ICAN. ICAN (Indiana Canine Assistant Network) trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with disabilities and provides foundational life skills to inmates through their experience as trainers. ICAN is the only accredited service dog training program in Indiana.

As part of the day’s celebrations, participants can meet service dogs trained through ICAN, as well as K-9 units from the Fort Wayne Police Department.

All are welcome to bring their pets if they are either caged or on a leash and behave well with other animals and people. Participants can also bring bring a picture or a stuffed animal to be blessed in their stead. All participants will be sent home with a special “bless my pet” tag!

Come share in a service of celebration and thanksgiving for our pets.

For more information, call First Wayne Street United Methodist Church at (260) 422-4681.