Pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, piglets and horses filled a Spanish church in central Madrid on Thursday for an annual blessing on the Day of Saint Anthony, Spain's patron saint of animals. /VCG Photo

Every year, faithful animal lovers from across the country enthusiastically bring their pets to the church to receive blessings. /VCG Photo

For this year's ceremony, St Anthony the Abbot’s church priest Angel Garcia is expected to give blessings to up to 15,000 pets. /VCG Photo

“St. Anthony cared a great deal about dogs and abandoned animals, healing and feeding them. That’s where the tradition comes from,” said the priest, who blesses each animal. /VCG Photo