Dogs barked, guinea pigs buried themselves in hay and birds chirped during last Sunday's animal blessing at John's Anglican Church in Dannevirke.
The service, which also commemorated the role animals played in World War I, is a feature of Dannevirke's Spring Festiva. This year the congregation, human and animal, were able to enjoy perfect spring weather in the church grounds for the service, led by Reverend Jo Crosse, the vicar of Southern Hawke's Bay.
Jo offered prayers, not just for the dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs and fish, but also for those which give us wool and feathers to keep us warm, as well as the animals so vital to our local economy, those who give us milk, cheese and eggs to keep us healthy.
"We thank God for animals which eat plants and fertilise the soil, making it richer and more fertile for new growth and new life," she said.
Canon Tim Delaney, chairman of the Dannevirke World War I Commemorative Committee, reminded the congregation of the 16 million animals who served in World War I.