Dogs, cats and even a turtle came to St. Francis De Sales church (47th and Springfield) on Sunday for the “Blessing of the Animals,” a ceremony honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

A similar ceremony was also held at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (3723 Chestnut St.) earlier in the day.

At St. Francis De Sales, the ceremony included a blessing from Rev. John Hand, the church’s pastor, and of course a shout out to Noah and his ark.

Our favorite line from the “Blessing Prayer for Pets”:

“May we never treat our pets as dumb animals, but rather let us seek to learn their language and to be students of all the secrets that they know.”

West Philly resident Susan, who lives at the corner of St. Bernard and Springfield, lost the entire third floor of her home in a devastating fire last Saturday. Two of her cats died in the fire. Intense water damage has rendered the lower two stories and the basement unlivable for now.

While Susan is temporarily staying with friends, her remaining cats are still residing in the house as they have nowhere else to go. Susan is looking for temporary housing for them. She writes:

“…kitties are all freaked and living under rather unhealthful conditions, with the noisy and major internal work now underway, still smoky air, very wet floors, mold starting to grow, etc. I am trying to find foster homes, even for one or two, here and there, for about eight weeks, until they say we can all move back in. They are all sweet cats, great company, very people-oriented, and cuddly — especially warm when the weather starts to turn cold. Can anyone open their homes for a furry feline for a couple of months? I would gladly pay for food and other supplies during their stay… So, far, I have one volunteer for one cat. Believe me you would enjoy their presence… I have always found them comforting.”

If you’d like to help Susan, or know someone who might, please write her at: susaniris [at] msn.com or call 215-435-5273.

This dog’s name is Chief. He was lost sometime yesterday morning in the Drexel University Campus/Powelton Village area.

If you’ve seen him please call 302-559-0525 at any time.

Our readers Zem and Jakey, who live at 49th and Springfield, found these adorable kittens in the hurricane and are trying to adopt them out.

“Once poor bedraggled kittens, these four little boys have become incredibly playful and snugglable. They will bound about, chasing and pouncing on one another and on their toys, and then, collapse in a purring kitten pile. They love being held and will sit on your shoulders if you let them. They are extremely social and get along well together, adopt them in pairs, or on their own. They want your love!”

If you are interested please email Zem at: arrangingtapestry [at] gmail.com

This week’s featured dog is Tulip O’Hare.

Tulip is currently living in the ACCT shelter. She desperately needs out of the shelter, as soon as possible. She is a full-grown, adult Pitbull mix (with a sweet baby face!) and was found wandering Philadelphia, but was probably owned before since she was obviously well-fed. However, days went by and no-one came to claim her. And now she is waiting in the shelter and is beginning to get very depressed and sad – she won’t look you in the eye and shakes when she comes out.

Tulip needs some extra TLC to help her rebuild her confidence. While Tulip would prefer a home without cats, she passed her food tests beautifully, and has met some other scared dogs in the shelter, and seems interested, but not overly social.

With Tulip’s adoption fee ($50), she will be spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. This dog is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. Adoption hours are 1-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends. If you are interested in adopting or fostering her, please contact nsmith@pspca.org or jsweeney@pspca.org.

This week’s featured cat is Mr. Cat. Reader Lisa is looking for a new home for him. Here’s what she wrote us:

“Two years ago a cat started living in my backyard.  We could tell he used to be someone’s cat since he had a collar (tag removed) was fixed and quite affectionate, probably abandoned by students.  We put flyers up to no avail.  During the winter I caved in and gave him some food.  For the next two years I gave him food every day or two.  I never brought him inside, just gave him food since he never seemed to leave the yard.

Unfortunately last month I left West Philly for less greener pastures. I no longer have a backyard in which to keep him.  He is currently living on my 5×5 patio. Since it is close quarters on this side of town I really need to find him a home and get him outside.

We took him to PAWS where they said he was super friendly and affectionate.  Easily adoptable if I could get one of the groups to accept him (they are all full)  he is neutered, adult and is Negative for FeLV.

I call him Mr. Cat.  If someone adopts him I will gladly take him for a vet visit to the vet of their choice, and will provide some food and the crate I used for transport.  He is really a sweet guy and its time we got him back inside.”

If you want to meet Mr. Cat or have questions, email Lisa at: thecaretaker [at] gmail.com