DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Nearly a dozen dogs and their owners attended church together Sunday as part of the blessing of the pets hosted by Crosswinds Community Church in Dorr Township.

It was the first event of its kind for the congregation. Pastor Tommy Boutell said the idea came from his administrative assistant. Similar blessings are usually held in early October in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. However, the church wanted to get ahead of Michigan's changing weather.

Like many services, songs, prayer and a sermon were part of the worship. Though at one point, animals were brought up one by one, blessed and given a treat. Their owners got a scroll to commemorate the blessing.

"They really are, in some cases, our fur children. And so we bring them in. Our hearts are there, their

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