Blessing of the Animals!

LONG BEACH — All socialized animals and their people are welcome to attend the annual Blessing of the Animals in the South Pacific County Humane Society parking lot on Oct. 1 at 1 p.m., rain or shine. The Rev. Richard Loop, vicar of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, will bless the animals in honor of the Oct. 4 feast day of Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment.