Photo: Linda Robertson
The Great Dane was an ambassador for the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust and was always up for cuddles for those who needed them, she said.
A congregation of 30 people and 10 dogs listened to hymns before they and their owners were blessed and candles were lit for dead pets.
The yearly service is run in conjunction with SPCA Otago and dedicated to St Francis of Assisi.
The Very Rev Dr Trevor James said the service gave people a chance to appreciate the pets they had now, and remember those they had lost.
"Hectic is a good word for it. You need to go with the informal spirit of it and have a fairly laid-back approach."
