Tails were wagging at St. John’s Church, Holdenhurst Village, as the first pet blessing in three years turned out to be a great success.
This time , the service was an all-dog affair, since the ponies were too muddy and the local cats, presumably, were already feeling bountifully blessed.
Among the four-legged congregation was Rusty, a nattily-kerchiefed labradoodle who, according to Sue Denning of Caring Canines charity which organises doggy visits to elderly care-home residents, listened intently to Reverend Janice Sear’s sermon.
Sue said: “Maybe he remembered that following the blessings, Janice gave them a choice of a cheese, sausage or biscuit treat!”