A true blessing

Rev. Camille Mattick (left) blesses Tippy, a 3-year-old pomeranian/shiatsu mix, at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica during the ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service on Saturday. Holding Tippy is her owner, Maggi Lindsley. The annual blessing service takes place in the tradition of Blessed Francis of Assisi, a 12th century saint of the Catholic Church who lived in Italy. He was known for his kindness to all animals.