Posted October 14, 2013

St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Holland, hosted its annual blessing of the pets and pet show Saturday, Oct. 5 in celebration of the previous day’s feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Father Sean A. Loomis, parochial vicar, performed the blessing rite. All winners in the pet show, indicated in the gallery below, received statues of St. Francis while the Best in Show winner also received a gift certificate from Pet Smart. All photos by parishioner Gary Gehringer.

  • Cutest: “Dozer” with owner Gene Urban

  • Best Trick: “Honey Bunny”

  • Largest: “Riley” with owner Helen Clint

  • Best Dressed: “Bear” with owners Erin and Drew Myers

  • Smallest: “Princess” with owner Carli Nelms

  • Most Colorful: “Capri Carmela” with owner Gia Fioravanti

  • Best in Show: “Sam” with owners Greg and Pat Vandenburg

  • Most Obedient: “Maggie” with owner Jerry Jankowski

  • Youngest: “Sofie” with owners Heather and Lorraine Waters

  • Oldest: “Thunder” with owner Chase Rawling

  • Honorable Mention: “Rocco” with owner Juliana Aquaro