The lone cat at the event receives a blessing from Karla Schapansky, a lay pastoral leader for the Episcopal Church, on October 4, 2026.
A service dog receives a blessing.
A dog waits with its owner during the special Sunday service.
Karla Schapansky blesses one of the dogs during the service.
Peak Pet Supply brought treats, samples, toys, and a prize wheel to the event.
Coffee, donuts, muffins, cookies, and other treats awaited people after the service.
Pets and their people gather inside the Gilpin County Exhibit Barn.
Mookie, a 210-pound English Mastiff, gets a blessing during the gathering.
A sweet pup seems to understand the occasion as he looks up to the pastoral leader performing the blessing.
GILPIN COUNTY — Sunday service was a little different for the congregation of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on October 4, 2026.
The church held a “Blessing of the Animals” in honor of St. Francis of Assisi at the Gilpin County Exhibit Barn. Normally, St. Paul's holds its services at the church itself, at 226 East 1st High Street in Central City
Espresso and baked goods were provided and Peak Pet Supply had a table set up for a chance to win treats and toys.
Most of the pets were dogs. Some were small enough to be held in their owners’ arms. Mookie, a 210-pound English Mastiff, was definitely too big for that. There was also one cat in the mix.
The service started with “Bless the Beasts and the Children,” followed by prayers and Bible readings about animals and caring for creation.
One reading came from Genesis and told of God’s covenant with Noah, his descendants, and “every living creature.”
Another came from Romans, while a psalm spoke of animals drinking from springs, birds making their nests, and grass growing for herds.
Dressed in white robes, Karla Schapansky, a lay pastoral leader for the Episcopal Church, spoke about St. Francis and why animals are blessed in his honor.
She told how Francis came from a wealthy family but rebelled against that life. He became known for his connection with animals and the natural world.
Schapansky also talked about what people might learn from their pets. “Pets and wildlife model unconditional love,” she said.
She noted that animals don't particularly care what kind of day their humans have had. “They’re home to love us when we come home,” she said.
She offered a few other thoughts to take home from the morning, including living a little more simply, practicing empathy, making peace, being content with what you have, and paying attention to the small things.
Dudley, who was resting nearby, provided a pretty good example. She pointed toward him. “He’s content in this moment,” Schapansky said. “And that’s beautiful.”
After another song, it was time for the main event. The pets came forward one at a time for their blessings.
“May God bless and protect you and bring joy to those who care for you,” she repeated as each animal had its turn.
Owners also received certificates to take home showing that their pets had been blessed.
Spud, a 1 1/2-year-old Australian Shepherd, was among the dogs there. Mookie also came forward, along with Dudley, who is nearly 11 years old and got some compliments on how good he looks for his age.
Some of the dogs had important jobs. One couple brought a dog trained to help after the husband lost his hearing during military service. The dog lets him know when things are happening around him and can even go find him when asked.
Another dog, Bryn, works as a therapy dog and has visited shelters through her owners’ church.
Of course, no gathering of dogs would be complete without treats.
Peak Pet Supply, located at 972 Golden Gate Canyon, had a table with samples, toys, cat treats, and a prize wheel.
The pets weren't the only ones getting spoiled. There was coffee and espresso for the humans, along with a table full of donuts, muffins, cookies, brownies, and other goodies.
The Exhibit Barn was a fitting place to hold the service. Animals have been coming through the building for years.
One attendee talked about dog classes and animal rescues held there in the past. In 2022, around 100 chickens were brought inside when it was freezing outside.
“This is such a remarkable blessing to animals,” one attendee said about having the service in the barn.
The service finished with the hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” and its familiar words about “all creatures great and small.”
Afterward, people stayed for coffee and food while the pets got a little more attention.
By then, the animals had been blessed, certificates had been received, and the dogs had definitely figured out who had the cookies.
