COURTESY PHOTOS

St. John’s Episcopal Church will host the annual Blessing of the Pets at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, to celebrate St. Francis Day. The event will be located outdoors at the church, located at 2701 Tyler St. in Great Bend. Bring pets on a leash or in a carrier and bring blankets or chairs for seating. Heart of Kansas Mercantile and Red Barn will provide free treats for the pets. Each pet will also receive a St. Francis and St. Anthony pet medal. Donations of money/old towels/blankets for the Great Bend Humane Society/Animal Shelter are encouraged. If there is inclement weather the event will be moved to the following Sunday. Above: Mother Teresa Lahar is shown blessing pets at last year’s event.