Rev. Tom Hagood, Columbia Presbyterian, blesses a dog during the Blessing of the Animals Ceremony on Oct. 5.

I took my camera over to Columbia Presbyterian Church on Saturday, hoping I’d snag some photos of the teency weency cute things that melt the collective heart of the internet.

Instead, I saw a celebration of unconditional friendship.

The dogs and their owners shared a moment of mutual gratitude, nuzzling each other on the church lawn on a bright October morning. Some people prefer the company of their pets to the company of people. That’s not hard to understand. Pets are good listeners and only judge you when you’re late with their dinner.

Teency weency wears off, but the love lasts.

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The day went to the dogs. My cat gave me a polite “no thank you” when I suggested he might like a free ride in his kitty carrier.

No other critters were able to attend, but Rev. Tom Hagood made sure to bless them anyway. He even blessed the snakes, which is pretty magnanimous given the snake’s checkered past. (See Eden, Garden of.)

Here are pictures from Saturday. Thanks to Columbia Presbyterian for being so welcoming.