WARREN - Dogs, cats, goats, hawks, rabbits, a horse and a turkey were among the animals lined up for blessings Sunday for their love and companionship to humans during the annual Blessing of the Pets ceremony at Christ Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Donna Maree of the church and the Rev. Walter Carvin, retired from Warren First Baptist Church, spent the afternoon blessing the many animals brought by their caretakers.

'We thank you for giving us these companions to bring us joy and to remind us of our stewardship of your creation,'' Maree said in her prayer to God for all the pets. ''As you care for us, grant us your help that we might care appropriately for those who trust us to look after their needs.''

Maree said the event is held to celebrates the contribution pets make in people's lives.

Such events are held by many local churches and organizations in honor of St. Francis of Assisi was a Catholic deacon known as the patron saint of animals, the environment and Italy. Many churches hold ceremonies honoring animals around his feast day on Oct. 4. Many of the stories that surround the life of St. Francis deal with his love for animals.

The Christ Episcopal Church event included a petting zoo, market place, agility course demonstrations, commemorative photos with ''St. Francis,'' and American Red Cross pet first aid demonstration.

Several contests were held in such categories as the dog with the waggiest tail, best dressed pet, most unusual pet, pet that looked most like its owner, or the pet with the best trick.

The Trumbull County Animal Welfare League has scheduled its annual event for Oct. 4 at Packard Park Shelter House in Warren, and area several churches will be holding pet blessing on upcoming weekends in early October.