Neighbors brought their pets to St. Philip's Episcopal Dyker Heights Sunday to be blessed.

Pet owners took their cats and dogs to be blessed. Some say they feel like their pet will have a better year because of it.

The pastor of the church says the event is a reminder that pets are special too and that God cares about every living thing.

The church also dedicated their new St. Francis of Assisi statue. It was placed in the garden of the church and is open to the community.

The church says it has been blessing pets for nearly 20 years.