The Platteville Dog Park will host a pet and animal blessing Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Rev. Christian Maxfield of Trinity Episcopal Church in Platteville will administer the blessings. Maxfield’s part-German Shepherd, Gracie, is expected to attend.

The blessing is in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order and the patron saint of animals and ecology, whose feast day is Oct. 4. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures: “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”

The book Vigina (“The Little Flowers”) tells a story about Francis’ giving a sermon to a flock of birds: “My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you … you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore … always seek to praise God.”

Pet animals, including dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, hamsters, snakes and other animals are welcome.Admission is $2 per animal to cover dog park maintenance expenses. Registration is at 5:15 p.m.

Owners are asked to stay with their pets at all times. Dogs will need to be leashed before and during the blessing. Cats and small animals need to be in cages or kennels and taken to the small enclosure.  Horses and other large animals can be tethered to the outer fence of the small enclosure.

For more information, call Marcia Cordts, 732-7836, or Janet Diehl, 341-0089.