India, Oct. 3 -- At the blessings meet at the Holy Family Church in Chakala on Thursday evening, along with the parishioners, there were 50-odd unusual visitors in the audience. Some barked in excitement on seeing each other; others, more uncomfortable, squirmed and meowed; a few chirped, their way of taking part in the fun; and a select few stayed mum.

This was the Blessing of the Pets, the third annual occurrence at the Holy Family Church, known for and proud of championing all things ecology. And why should pets be excluded, they reasoned.

Of the over 50 pets in attendance, the overwhelming majority were dogs-of all kinds, from tiny chihuahuas to furry terriers and huge labradors; from calm ones wagging their tails to ones keeping th...