Animals receive holiday blessing from NYC Cardinal

NEW YORK - Dogs, cats, horses, llamas and even a pig went to church for a holiday ritual.

The animals were blessed Sunday by Roman Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a rabbi and ministers at the Christ Church United Methodist parish on Park Avenue in Manhattan. After the annual animal blessing, workers sprayed the pews with disinfectant - to make sure they were ready for human worshippers.

The furry faithful included five members of the New York Police Department's canine unit and several police horses. They were led in by New York Police Commissioner William Bratton.

Most of about 100 animals came with their owners, starting with a procession up the center aisle. But some arrived looking for love - and a home. They were offered for adoption, waiting in back of the church.