BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Those of us who have pets would probably say they’re a blessing to have in our lives. Some even bring their furry friends to the blessing of the pets events, but why and where did it start?

For Jennifer Braun, getting her beloved dog, Paxton, blessed was a no-brainer.

“Why not get him blessed?” said Braun. “He’s a part of our family, and we bless our homes, we bless our meals, we pray.”

And she’s not the only one. For many years, Christians around the world have been getting their cats, dogs, and other animals blessed.

The tradition dates back 800 years, to the life of a well-known saint in the Catholic church.

“Saint Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of pets, and so, in his honor, usually the first Sunday or the first weekend of February, some con

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