Pet owners step up for heavenly wishes

Yelps and howls filled the air as the blessing of the animals got underway at St. Jude’s Church.

The annual benediction in honor of St. Francis of Assisi – the patron saint of animals – drew area pet owners to the church courtyard along East 95th Street and Seaview Avenue, where Rev. Msgr. John Delendick administered the rites.

The furry and feathered congregation included an assortment of pooches, felines, hamsters and birds.