By Glenn Rolfe

MILLSBORO — No cats, ducks, rabbits or pet iguana, just dogs.

A pre-Easter tradition, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28’s Blessing of the Animals was an all-canine affair Saturday as close to a dozen dogs were officially blessed by retired pastor Jim VanDerWall of nearby Conley’s United Methodist Church.

“Our other dogs we’ve had, we’ve taken them to be blessed,” said Dave Mullen of Lewes. “It’s a good time for it.”

Mr. Mullen and wife Lynn brought two pets, Beau, their golden retriever, and Penny, a chihuahua who happened to be blessed on her fourth birthday.

“That means she will be a good girl, for at least a day,” said Ms. Mullen.

Unit 28’s annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony began about 13 years ago.

“I love it, because I think we’re the only people that do this,” said Beth McGinn.

The ceremony’s roots date to the 13th century and St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, because of his way of seeing God through all things created.

Each canine blessed received a Milk-Bone dog treat.

Canines blessed include large and small dogs, including lab/pit bull mix, bulldog, retriever and several chihuahuas.

On hand was Georgetown resident Trina Crawford’s support dog, Blackie.

“She knows every emotion I have,” said Ms. Crawford.

Bella, a five-month-old English bulldog, received her first blessing while an Easter egg hunt followed.

“An Easter egg hunt for the kids, and a blessing for Bella. We hope it gives her some good health,” said Mark McGovern of Millsboro, joined at the event by sister Danielle McGovern and young egg-hunting family members.

For the hunt, several thousand candy-filled eggs were scattered about the grounds. Auxiliary members offered other goodies — cookies, juice boxes along with coloring books, crayons and an assortment of stuffed animals.