Giving thanks for the little paws that keep you company

For those who feel blessed by the animal company they keep, there was payback with howl to spare yesterday.

Approximately 100 people, most with dogs in tow, joined three mounted Richmond police officers at the Shockoe Slip fountain in Richmond at noon for the annual blessing of the animals.

The free-spirited event included an official invocation -- from a reverend who's a dog breeder, of course -- holiday music from local favorite Susan Greenbaum and enough good-spirited canine cheer to get through the season. The event was arranged by The Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad.

It started in the mid-1990s with the intent of honoring police horses, but all animals are now welcome.

"It's a time to remember all the good work our working animals do," said Sue Mullins, the coordinator of the blessing and a founder of the group. "It allows us to focus our appreciation on the importance of animals."

The Rev. Karen Thompson offered the blessing. A breeder of border collies, she implored the crowd to "help us to never take for granted their care."

Judging by the people and pets on hand, that didn't seem to be much of a concern.

It was a dog lover's paradise, with the pooches showing up in a wide mix of sizes, colors and breeds. It was all smiles and slobbering and the occasional bark. The dogs, too, looked to be enjoying their afternoon on the town.

"This is great," said Kelly Creekmore, holding her 5-month-old miniature pinscher, Zeke.

The little dog, decked out in its finest Santa coat, stayed at rapt attention throughout Thompson's sermon before testing the length of its leash in pursuit of a friend.

Not far away, Amy-Lyn Jones was holding Peyton, one of two miniature schnauzers she brought. The other, Polly, was in the arms of friend Rebecca Gillen.

"This is just beautiful," Jones said as the dogs peeked at each other.
Contact Zachary Reid at (804) 775-8179 or .