St John the Baptist Church in Glastonbury has announced an animal blessing service on Saturday, 7th October, at 4pm.

From dogs and cats to parrots and pythons, the church is extending an invitation wider than Noah's Ark!

The occasion? An animal blessing service that coincides with the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Whether your family member barks, meows, chirps or simply sits there looking mysterious, they're all invited for what promises to be an "all creatures great and small" gathering.

Going beyond the standard "sit, kneel, stand" routine, the church's official statement welcomes everyone, saying: "Come one come all, come if you have two legs, four legs, 12 legs, or no legs!" The aim is a broad church, literally. Bring your tabby, tarantula, or even your tortoise for an individual blessing ceremony that's as unique as your pet.

The primary focus of the service is not just about pet blessings; it's a community-wide invite to give thanks for the often-underestimated roles that animals play in our lives.

Whether it's the dog that acts as a therapist after a hard day, or the fish whose slow laps around its bowl serve as a form of aquatic meditation, every animal has its moment of glory.

Pack up the leash, the cage, or the fishbowl, and make your way to St John the Baptist Church.

In a world that often feels like it's going to the dogs, this service is a timely reminder that sometimes, it's not such a bad place to be. It's not just a church service, it's a celebration of life in its fluffiest, fuzziest, and most fabulous forms.