NATCHEZ — At 2 p.m. Sunday Grace United Methodist Church of Natchez will bless four-legged family members for the church’s annual Blessing of the Animals.

Judy Strickland, communications chair for Grace United Methodist Church of Natchez, said the event has been popular with the congregation and community alike for more than 10 years.

“We have so many people from our church who are animal lovers and have multiple dogs, and they usually come out with at least one,” Strickland said. “People from the community come out also and the dogs get to visit, and we get to visit.”

Strickland said she has fond memories of the event, such as the experience of one congregation member who is unable to transport her dog and in turn brings the pet’s photograph for a blessing each year. Another moment that stands out is when the pastor narrowly avoided a bite from her Chihuahua Charley.

While the event is open to both dogs and cats, Strickland said the event has been dog dominant in years past.

“I don’t think I ever remember a cat being there,” Strickland said. “No, they’ve all been dogs; all kinds and all sizes.”

Pastor Linda Fox will administer the blessings, and Strickland said socializing on the front lawn would follow.

“We do stay until the unruliness starts,” Strickland said. “Some dog gets unhappy, but it’s fun.”

The Blessing of the Animals will be at 2 p.m. Sunday on the front lawn at Grace United Methodist Church of Natchez, 2 Fatherland Road.

The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is sponsoring the event. Those attending are asked to have their pets leashed. Also, donations of Purina Dog Chow, Puppy Chow or Cat Chow, toys for shelter animals, any type of cleaning supplies or cash donations for the Humane Society are encouraged.