Is Humans' Connection With Their Pets Something Spiritual?

Church-goers with snouts, paws and fur?

Yes, animals and their human friends looked to the rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Decatur, Alabama, on Sunday afternoon. In a crowd of more than 100, nearly half were four-legged.

"This is way out of my comfort zone," said the Rev. Richard Lawson, looking around a crowded parish hall.

Rain forced the church's Blessing of the Animals to move inside from the church lawn. The people were smiling, even the rector, who decided to drop his sermon because of the crowded venue and the barking and meowing that punctuated his amens.

Animals are getting increased attention in church life. Blessing services are more common locally, with three Episcopal churches having them this month.

At St. John's, after a song and prayers, including a prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, Lawson went from pet to pet. He placed his hand on each animal's head and offered thanks to God.