October is hosts to ‘Blessing of the Animals,’ one of the Bay Area’s greatest traditions and performed in the ways of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. I am not religious but I look forward to this event every year. Children line up, excited to have their beloved pets blessed with a special prayer to honor their loyal companions who love us unconditionally. It's a very special experience and there are many places across the Bay Area to line up and have your pet blessed:

Sunday, October 1

• St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, 2-5pm, Humane Society of Sonoma County fundraiser, Santa Rosa

• Mount Tam United Methodist Church, 11:30am, 410 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley

• St. Stephen’s Church, 3 Bay View Avenue, Belvedere

• The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

• St. Columba’s Church, 12:30pm, Inverness

• St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church, 1-3pm, San Francisco

Here are some pawsatively fun family and pet friendly events worth a mention:

• K-9 Heroes: Bark at the Park, October 8, 11am-1pm, Duboce Park

• Paws for a Cause, October 15, 11am-4pm, San Francisco

• Strawberry Village: DOGtoberfest, October 29, 2pm, Mill Valley

• Howl’O’Ween Dog Costume Contest, 6:30pm on October 31, Sausalito

• Wag Hotel Howl-o-ween Party