Sit, roll over, accept heaven’s blessing!

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

The annual benediction in honor of St. Francis of Assisi – the patron saint of animals – drew area pet owners to the church courtyard on Duffield Street, between Willoughby and Myrtle avenues, where Rev. Mark Lane administered the rites.

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