OC Students Bring Dogs, Hamsters, Horse For 'Blessing Of The Animals'

YORBA LINDA (CBSLA.com) — It's raining blessings on cats and dogs in Orange County.

Roughly 400 students at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yorba Linda marked the annual Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the school's patron saint, with a "Blessing of the Animals" on Thursday.

Participants brought everything from dogs and cats, to hamsters and even a horse out on the school's main lawn to receive a blessing and a sprinkling of "holy water" by priests from three local parishes.

Seven-year-old Sophie was among those who came out as a way of giving thanks to God for Rosie, her guard dog who she said keeps her family safe and happy.

"She stays up and never sleeps to make sure no one comes in," said Sophie.

Oct. 4 is the traditional feast day to honor Francis of Assisi, the school's patron saint of animals and the environment, by spreading his message of caring for all creatures.