An Aberdeen church welcomed some unusual visitors yesterday for its 23rd annual animal blessing service.
Parishioners at Craigiebuckler Church took their pets to the service to show their gratitude for the love, support and companionship offered by the creatures.
Minister the Rev Kenneth Petrie said the service “means a lot” to those who take part.
He said: “We always get a good attendance at it and we have folk that come back every year.
“They look forward to coming to the service because I think it gives them an opportunity to recognise how important their animals are to them, and to say thank you to the animals.”
One of the animals blessed yesterday was three-year-old Carter, a goldendoodle, who came along with his owner Heather Watson.
Carter is an assistance dog trained by Canine Partners, a charity that helps people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs.
Mrs Watson, from Inverurie, got him at the beginning of May 2013, and says he has made a huge difference to her life.
She said: “I got used to having him very quickly.
“The bond is very strong, without a doubt, I absolutely adore him.”
Carter was trained by the charity to do a number of everyday tasks to help his owner.
Mrs Watson said: “He does amazing things. He stops me bending down because that’s really when I lose balance. He puts the washing in the washing machine and takes it out for me.
“If I fall the first thing he does is bring the phone, and he recognises the phone now so if it’s not in the cradle he will find it. He takes my socks and shoes off, opens and shuts doors, the list is endless.”
All the animals blessed yesterday have made important contributions to the lives of their owners.
Rev Petrie said: “We tend to take a look at the service from the point of view of creation, and our stewardship of creation, and we have a duty not just to the animals we bring to the service but to all of creation.
“It’s nice to give people an opportunity to think about that once a year.”