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In the News

Prayers for pets in downtown D.C.

Pet owners and their canine companions gathered Sunday at National City Christian Church for the sixth annual Blessing of the Dogs.

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June 17, 2012

Oliver, a silky terrier, gets distracted Sunday during remarks by the Rev. Stephen Gentle, left, outside National City Christian Church in the District. Oliver’s owner is Mimi Guerin of Northwest Washington. The sixth annual blessing on the steps of the church brought community members, dog owners and canine companions together for a special service complete with gospel singing, prayers, and a little barking and sniffing, too.

Bill O’Leary / THE WASHINGTON POST

George, a golden retriever, holds his leash in his mouth and shows it to his owner, Melinda Medlin, after the Blessing of the Dogs at National City Christian Church.

June 17, 2012

George, a golden retriever, holds his leash in his mouth and shows it to his owner, Melinda Medlin, after the Blessing of the Dogs at National City Christian Church.

Bill O'Leary / THE WASHINGTON POST

Dogs and their owners gather on the steps of National City Christian Church for the Blessing of the Dogs, an annual event that started in 2006.

June 17, 2012

Dogs and their owners gather on the steps of National City Christian Church for the Blessing of the Dogs, an annual event that started in 2006.

Bill O'Leary / THE WASHINGTON POST

Oliver, a silky terrier, receives a personal blessing from the Rev. Stephen Gentle, senior minister at National City Christian Church. Gentle said the service is meant to remind people of how pets influence lives and to make area dog owners feel welcome.

June 17, 2012

Oliver, a silky terrier, receives a personal blessing from the Rev. Stephen Gentle, senior minister at National City Christian Church. Gentle said the service is meant to remind people of how pets influence lives and to make area dog owners feel welcome.

Bill O'Leary / THE WASHINGTON POST

Margot Welk sits with Barkly, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, during the blessing of the dogs at National City Christian Church.

June 17, 2012

Margot Welk sits with Barkly, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, during the blessing of the dogs at National City Christian Church.

Bill O'Leary / THE WASHINGTON POST

The Rev. Stephen Gentle, left, meets Sage and her owner, Paul Guequierre. 'Our pets bless us in so many ways,' Gentle said. 'We bless our pets by the way we love them, care for them, show affection to them.' <span>. . . </span>This is our way of asking for a blessing for them because they are a blessing to us.”

June 17, 2012

The Rev. Stephen Gentle, left, meets Sage and her owner, Paul Guequierre. "Our pets bless us in so many ways," Gentle said. "We bless our pets by the way we love them, care for them, show affection to them." . . . This is our way of asking for a blessing for them because they are a blessing to us.”

Bill O'Leary / THE WASHINGTON POST

The Rev. Stephen Gentle, center, walks among the dogs and owners as he prepares to give the blessing of the dogs at National City Christian Church.

June 17, 2012

The Rev. Stephen Gentle, center, walks among the dogs and owners as he prepares to give the blessing of the dogs at National City Christian Church.

Bill O'Leary / THE WASHINGTON POST

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