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Love and Blessings at the Annual Blessing of the Animals

English bulldog Clara Belle receives love and attention from attendees at the Blessing of the Animals. Photo by Chris Hildreth/Duke Photography
English bulldog Clara Belle receives love and attention from attendees at the Blessing of the Animals. Photo by Chris Hildreth/Duke Photography
By Duke Today Staff

Animals of all sizes received blessings at the Chapel's annual Blessing of the Animals service held Sunday, October 15, 2017. Durham Children's Choir provided musical leadership, and The Animal Protection Society of Durham, Beyond Fences, and the Green Iguana Society provided animal education and support.

Herbie, the basset hound, a therapy dog for Duke and UNC hospitals waits for the ceremony to get started. Photo by Chris Hildreth/Duke Photography

The sun was out and unseasonably warm weather led many animals and their owners to seek shade. But the turnout was strong as ever and included guinea pigs, rabbits, mice and of course cats and dogs of all breeds.

Among the attendees were President Vince Price, his wife Annette and their two dogs Scout and Cricket. 

For more photos, see the Duke Chapel Facebook page.

Clara Belle is blessed by Divinity School chaplain Meghan Benson as Clara Belle’s owner Joannie County looks on. Photo by Chris Hildreth/Duke Photography