NATCHEZ — The congregation at Grace United Methodist Church was a little cuter Sunday afternoon.

It was also a little furrier, a little smaller and a little louder.

Grace United Methodist hosted a blessing of the animal service Sunday afternoon. The event was sponsored by the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

In all, 32 dogs and one cat were blessed during the service and approximately 40 other animals were not able to travel to the service but were blessed through their pictures.

Dogs and cat comes to Grace United Methodist Church for the blessing of the animals. Click here for slideshow

The event was scheduled in conjunction with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

The Rev. Darian Duckworth, pastor at Grace, presided over the service, giving each animal brought to the service a personal blessing.

“In seminary I got very interested in what it means to be a good steward for the earth and all creation,” Duckworth said. “Animals are an important part of life for many people, and it is important to care for and be good stewards of all creation.”

There was also a memorial prayer for animals that had already died.

Conrad and Cliffie Anderson brought their two dogs, 1-year-old Bella and 2-year-old Beau Bear, to be blessed. Cliffie Anderson said being members of Grace and supporters of the humane society the event was a can’t miss for them.

“The humane society has a great mission and a great road ahead with the building of the new shelter, we want to do what we can to support it,” she said.

And the event was good for the dogs, too.

“This gave them a little time to socialize,” Cliffie Anderson said.

While Bella and Beau Bear were making friends, poodle Josie was looking for a little relief.

Josie’s owner Cathy Hill said the 8-year-old dog suffers from arthritis in her front legs.

“She’s getting a little up there in years,” Hill said. “Maybe this blessing will help her walk a little better.”

During the service, long-haired Chihuahua Charlie received two blessings by request from owner Al Strickland.

“He’s the devil dog,” Strickland said. “He’s acting OK right now but that is because it is nap time.”

The humane society is hoping to make the animal blessing an annual event, and Duckworth said she would be on board if that happens.

“This was a blast,” she said. “I had never done (an animal blessing), but I wanted to for a long time. I’d definitely do it again.”