Labrador retriever Ernie, left, greets another dog Sunday during the blessing of the animals at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow.

Lucky, a poodle, shows excitement Sunday during the blessing of the animals at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow.

Marsha Roman holds carriers containing her cats Haley and Pumpkin as the Rev. Daniel Baillargeon sprinkles holy water on the pets during the blessing of the animals at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow. Six dogs and three cats received the blessing.

A dog is blessed and sprinkled with holy water Sunday by the Rev. Daniel Baillargeon during the blessing of the animals at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow.

A dog sniffs the hand Sunday of the Rev. Daniel Baillargeon as the priest prepares to bless the dog and other animals during the blessing of the animals at St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow.

Dogs stand with seeming pride Sunday after the Rev. Frank Murray conducted a blessing of the animals at St. Michael Catholic Parish in Augusta.