By Sara Ballenger

Four-legged, furry and feathered family pets and favorite stuffed animals were blessed by Father Joseph Haley at the annual Blessing of the Pets, Oct. 4, at St. Nicholas School in Los Altos Hills.

“It’s an annual event that is always held on his feast day in honor of St. Francis of Assisi,” said Michelle Sklar, director of development, “the patron saint of all animals.”

Students from kindergarten through eighth grade gathered near the soccer field as seventh- and eighth-graders read prayers in honor of all animals.

“To all our special pets and our memories of playing with them,” read one prayer.

Rabbits, dogs, cats and a turtle were just a few of the many pets that were blessed.

“It’s nice to get her blessed,” said owner Chris Kitrick and his daughter Eileen, who brought their 1 1/2-year-old soft-coated wheaten terrier, Milphie. “She came last year.”

Lucky, a domestic shorthair cat, came in a carrying cage with his owners Margaret Brandeau and her son John Eschbach.

“We get him blessed every year whether he likes it or not,” said Brandeau. “This is his seventh year. I think it works for him. He’s got about nine lives as far as we can tell.”

The tradition has been going on for at least 12 years, said Kevin Kannengeiser, a teacher and coach at St. Nicholas.

“One year, a family brought a horse,” he said. “We had it out on the soccer field. We have had all kinds of pets.”

Some family pets are new to this St. Nicholas tradition.

“We are new to the school, so this is Bonne Nuit’s first time,” said Claudia Gough. Bonne Nuit, which means “good night” in French, is a 3-year-old Netherland Dwarf rabbit, Gough added.

“The kids really like this,” Gough said, whose daughter Anne and son Colin both attend St. Nicholas. “It’s a special way to remember your pets.”