Parishioner Donna Miller gets baptized while cuddling her dog Kimmy at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Westchester. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Rev. Tom Eggebeen conducts the weekly service with canine congregants at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Westchester. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Rev. Tom Eggebeen pets a parishioner’s rescued pit bull before services. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Rev. Tom Eggebeen baptizes Carmen Turner as he hugs his dog. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Parishioner Donna Merz and her dog Gracie. The church implemented the dog-friendly weekly service to make it more comfortable for people to attend. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Doggie treats and a collection plate are passed. Dog services are part of a growing movement by churches to recognize the emotional bond between humans and their pets. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Rev. Tom Eggebeen, right, greets parishioners and their best friends before the weekly service. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
