All creatures great and small will be welcomed and blessed tomorrow at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon.

Many churches and organizations are blessing pets this weekend in honor of the feast day of St. Francis, patron saint of animals. Most services are outside, in parking lots or gardens.

A blessed few, including St. Paul's, take a leap of faith, opening their doors and letting members of the animal kingdom into the church.

At 8:45 a.m., the St. Paul's service will start with a Procession of Pets followed by the blessing. Welcome are the well-behaved dogs and cats and other animals that are loved and cherished by family members.

Last year was the first time St. Paul's moved the annual blessing from the outdoor garden.

"I was a little nervous that some of the animals might leave their mark," said Rini Choura, director of children's ministries. "But all of the pets were very well-behaved.

"We're excited to host this event again because St. Paul's is a family friendly place, and pets are an integral part of many families."

The Rev. Lou Hays, rector of St. Paul's said, "Francis saw the value of all God's creation. We hope many of our neighbors will join us for this special celebration of all creatures, great and small."

Following the blessing there will be treats for all species in St. Margaret's Garden outside the church, at 1066 Washington Road.

Pet owners are encouraged to bring nonperishable pet food or people food that will be included in St. Paul's monthly collection for the South Hills Food Pantry.

At this blessing, and at all pet blessings, animals should be well-behaved and leashed or in carriers. Other services tomorrow include:

A noon blessing at the Animal Friends shelter, the Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center in Ohio Township just off the Camp Horne Road exit of Interstate 279.

Pets will be blessed individually, and there also will be a special blessing of shelter animals. Cookies and coffee will be served and all participants can socialize at the shelter's patio and gazebo.

Journeys of Life in Shadyside is sponsoring a blessing to benefit the Animal Rescue League shelter in East Liberty. The event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. in a tent outside the shop, 810 Bellefonte St.

Animals and their owners will be blessed by the Rev. Renee Waun of East Suburban Unitarian Universalist Church, the Rev. Nancy Kandel of Pittsburgh Center for Spiritual Living and the Rev. Larry D. Goyda of Meaningful Marriages.

Karene Litzinger, a licensed professional counselor, will be on hand to sign her recently released CD, "Heal Your Heart: Coping with the Loss of a Pet."

There is no charge to attend, but donations of dog and cat food, blankets, towels and money will benefit Animal Rescue League.

Dog lovers love that more organizations are offering dog-friendly events. So thanks to all the event organizers who let the dogs in, and let's thank all the wise and wonderful dog owners who make these events successful by showing up with well-behaved pets.

For the first time, the Pittsburgh affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is hosting a dog walk and fundraiser. It will happen on Oct. 18 in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Paws for the Cure will be at the Hartwood Acres concert area in Indiana Township. Registration and packet pick up is at 8 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. The registration fee is $15 for one adult and one dog, $5 for those who walk without a dog. The first 600 dogs will get a "wag bag" of treats and a doggie bandana.

Sponsors are manning tents and providing treats, including pink bagels from Panera. There will be pet contests, including "best dressed" dogs in pink costumes, and "pooch and person lookalike."

Register online at www.komenpittsburgh.org or call 412-342-0500.