Gene Dalton | The Roanoke Times

Animal control officer Bobby Lorton watches as his dog “Bubba” greets Pastor Terrie Sternberg before his blessing.

PULASKI -- Coleman the coonhound broke free of his leash and had to be rescued. A mixed-breed Labrador named Snoopy bristled and had to be forced back into his cage. Slightly more docile but equally gregarious canines and felines of seemingly every breed, size and color purred, barked or howled in unmistakably mammal-like tones.

Through all the fuss, stench and chatter, the Rev. Terrie Sternberg somehow kept on praying.

"The animals of God's creation inhabit the skies, the earth and the sea," recited Sternberg in front of some of the Pulaski County Humane Society's leashed pets. "They share in the fortunes of human existence and have part in human life. ... A giant fish saved Jonah. Ravens brought bread to Elijah. Animals were included in the repentance enjoined on humans. And animals share in Christ's redemption of all God's creation."

The occasion was an animal blessing service, a primarily Roman Catholic custom that receives its impetus from St. Francis of Assisi, a monk known as the "patron saint of animals and ecology." Assisi, whose life is remembered by Catholics and liturgically leaning Protestants with a Feast Day each Oct. 4, possessed a deep-rooted love for all creatures.

So does Sternberg.

"I view all of life as being the gift of God's creation. I think God wants to bless every living amoeba, every plant, every animal," she said. "The scriptures are full of references of even the mountains and the trees clapping for joy and praising God and I think scriptures are just full of that kind of sense of wholeness of creation."

The first week of October has become the traditional time for animal blessing services. Sternberg facilitated several this year, including one for her congregation at Trinity Lutheran Church and another at Tipton Ridge Veterinary Medical Center in Pulaski. Sternberg has attended animal blessings at Christ Episcopal Church in Pulaski where they have been performed during the past decade.

Sternberg's visit to the humane society in Pulaski last week was her second. She stayed until she had prayed over all 120 of the shelter's animals.

"Receive the blessing of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," she declared over each of them, from the brawny, barking dogs she petted inside cages to the fuzzy kittens she cradled in her arms. "May you and whatever family gets you enjoy life together and find joy with the God who created you. Amen."

Even when pets like Coleman (who broke loose of Sternberg's grip before her prayer was finished) and Snoopy (who seemed more interested in finding a way out of his cage than finding the spiritual) aren't too cooperative, Sternberg doesn't get easily distracted.

"I've had a lot of experience even when people are in a worship situation where there's a little bit of autonomy going on and people are choosing to come and go and make their own noises," said Sternberg, who admitted she did hear some howling in the background as she prayed for one of the animals. "So, I'm pretty used to that kind of thing. It's easy to stay focused I guess."

So do the blessings eventually have a visible effect on the animals?

"In all honestly, probably not a lot of difference," said volunteer Barbara Bryant. "The blessing, I think, was mainly for their good life with their new owners. The real thing will be if they get adopted."

Sternberg was introduced to the concept while studying at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C. The seminary conducted blessing rituals for pets every year.

Humane society director Rebecca English is glad Sternberg didn't keep the idea to herself.

"Animals and people both need love and attention," English said. "It's a lot of people in our community that need hands-on blessings as well so we're real happy she made time for our animals."

In religion

Family-fest. Today, 1 to 4 p.m., Belmont Christian Church, Christiansburg. Featuring huge inflatable games, Virginia Tech athletes, caricatures, par three "pasture golf," hayrides and food. Free. 382-8521.

Yard sale and car wash. Today, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Seneca Baptist Church youth building, Elliston. Breakfast and lunch will be served. 268-1955.

Patriotic musical. Sunday, 10:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, Pearisburg. The chancel choir will present "America, We Must Not Forget: A Patriotic Call for Revival in America." 921-1021.

Fall revival. Sunday through Wednesday, 7 p.m., Cambria Baptist Church, Christiansburg. With guests Dale and Gilda Riddle. Nursery provided. 382-2490.

Homecoming and eighth anniversary. Sunday, 11 a.m., Blessed Hope Baptist Church, Riner. Kenny and Sarah Farley will sing and Tim Bonn will speak. Covered dish lunch to follow. 382-5335.

"Justice for the poor: Who's responsible?" Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m., Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Blacksburg. Discussion on the impact of fair wage, health care and indigent defense is sponsored by the New River Valley chapter of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Free. 552-2021.

Homecoming. Sunday, Rockford United Methodist Church, Radford. Music by Southern Praise at 9:45 a.m., message by the Rev. Maria Grimm at 11, fellowship meal to follow, revival with the Rev. Bobby Lorton starts at 7 p.m.

Revival. Oct. 20 and 21, 7 p.m.; Oct. 22, 6 p.m., New River Valley Family Worship Center, Pearisburg. With Greg Webb. 626-3196.

Gospel singing with the Heavenly Visions. Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Bible Baptist Church, Cambria. In memory of former pastor, L.V. DeHart. 763-3296.

Church anniversary. Oct. 22, 3 p.m., First Missionary Baptist Church, New River. The Rev. Van B. Fore of South Carolina will be the guest minister for this 134th anniversary celebration. 639-5331.

"Judgment House: What's in Your Closet?" Oct. 28 and 29, Nov. 4 and 5, Abundant Life Fellowship, Pilot. This walk-through drama is free. Saturday nights, 6 to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 5 to 9 p.m. 382-4443.

The Baha'is of the New River Valley will host a devotion and question-and-answer session on the Baha'i faith. Sundays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, Blacksburg. 818-0611.

Stretching Body and Spirit. Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, 107 W. Main St. A yoga class for Christians. Includes a gentle hatha yoga workout coupled with Christian chanting, prayer and meditation. 382-2802.

Relationship Bible Study. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Blacksburg. Meal and wellness program, "Food for Soul." 552-8782.

Lutheran Student Movement. Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Campus Center, Virginia Tech. Dinner and fellowship. 552-0066.

Gospel singing and Bible study. First Tuesdays and every Thursday, 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., Christiansburg Recreation Center, Christiansburg. Musicians, singers and bench warmers welcome. 382-8543.

Bible study. Shepherd's Chapel Bible students seek members to meet every other Wednesday at the Christiansburg Library Community room. 381-4557.

Meditation program. Wednesdays, 5:15 p.m., Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga, Blacksburg. Learn a simple, universal meditation practice for people of all faiths and beliefs. 552-2177 or www.meditate-shivabala.org.

Faith discussion groups. Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m.; Fridays noon to 1 p.m., Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Blacksburg. 951-1000.