Camels and owls and dogs — oh my. Furry and feathered friends flocked to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Tara Lynn Wagner brings us the sights and sounds.

All of God's creatures great and small flocked to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine Sunday for an annual mass like no other.

"It's just a beautiful ceremony," said Karen Pantano. "And it's just really cool to see animals in the cathedral."

You heard that right. Animals in the cathedral. The Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals sees the church look more like an ark as four legged or two winged friends make their way down the aisle. and while some of these furry creatures have a bark that could echo in the rafters, miraculously they remain -- for the most part -- quiet as church mice during the service.

"There's a lot of peacefulness and I think it's a testament to the event itself," said Polly Nugent, who brought her dog Ruby to be blessed. "There's a really special kind of sacred feeling to it in a very earthy rounded way."

Some come every year, hoping the blessing will bring good health to their furry or feathered companions. These birds are 25 years old, far beyond their average lifespan.

"That's what I mean," said owner Susanna Mitton. "It's really kind of miraculous."

The event was not just for the domesticated. At a certain point in the service they threw open the doors to welcome exotic animals — like Ted.

"We know everybody has dogs and cats but to have camels and sheep and llamas, it's quite an experience and it means so much to everyone," said Diane Katz with Dawn Animal Agency.

Although this is an episcopal church, the service attracts all faiths. St. Francis believed humans should live in harmony with the natural world.

"You see representatives from all different faiths coming and talking about the importance of ecology, loving animals, taking care of animals, being stewards of the planet," said Ben Dictor, whose dog Pickle got a blessing Sunday. "All of that's very important."

"There's so many wonders in this service that connect people and animals and god and we love it," said Steve Flanders, who described his dog Baxter as being "interfaith."

"We all have to come together in a place to give thanks for everything that we have in life," said Sergio Galdamez, with Chihuahuas Yeyush and Renzo tucked under his arms.

Question: "And that includes these guys?"

"Of course," Galdamez said. "They're the main reason."