Journal covers animals related events Sunday

The Poughkeepsie Journal went to the dogs — and cats and at least one rabbit — today. Well, at least the front page of the Mid-Hudson section did.

And as one of my colleagues noted, neither of the stories was mine.

The first story is by Christine Pizzuti and is about an Ulster County Sheriff's Office K-9 who is retiring after nine years of service.

Here's a picture of the retiree with Undersheriff Frank Faluotico.


The second story is by Rasheed Oluwa and is about the blessing of the animals at Hyde Park United Methodist Church. This is the third year the church has held the ceremony to commemorate the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

There is a nice photo gallery by Karl Rabe, too. Be sure and check them out.

See what happens when I take a weekend off?

(Photo by Christine Pizzuti/Poughkeepsie Journal)

Beacon Barks animal blessing

At Beacon Barks street festival Saturday, Lise Worthington of the First Congregational Church in Poughkeepsie gave a short speech before offering to bless the pets in attendance.