There were paws in the pews

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) - December 19, 2011

That's paws as in the furry, four-legged variety.

More than a dozen dogs and a few cats received blessings at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Santa Cruz.

The Sentinel reports Reverend Dennis Vierling sprinkled holy water on the pets.

Vierling has been the priest at the church since September.

But he's held pet blessings at other churches, including in Florida, where people even brought in their horses and livestock.

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