People of all faiths are welcome to bring their pets to the annual Chinowa Blessing for People and Pets on June 1 at the Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha — Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine in Kalihi.

Irene Takizawa, director of the Shinto shrine, said in a news release, "In ancient Japan, animals (were) … often thought of as spirit messengers of the deities, and certain animals were associated with certain kami." "Kami" are the spirits or phenomena — often nature and animals — worshipped in the Shinto faith. For example, the fox is associated with Inari shrines, and the dove with Hachiman shrines.

During Japan’s Edo Period (1603-1868), when commoners were allowed travel only for shrine pilgrimages, those who were not able to make a pilgrimage to the Konpira-san sent their dogs on their behalf. Offerings to Konpira-san, along with the names and addresses of the owner and money to purchase food, were placed in a bag with "Konpira Mairi" written on it and tied around the neck of the dogs, Takizawa said.

The dog pilgrims were cared for by travelers who guided them until they eventually arrived at the holy site. After offerings were delivered and prayers were said for the dog’s owners, "ofuda" amulets were tucked into the bag, which was then tied around the dog’s neck. The traveling dogs were then fed, given a good night’s rest and sent back to their owners in the same way they had arrived.

Pet owners participating in the Chinowa (Ring of Renewal) Blessing for People and Pets are asked to bring pets on leashes or in cages to the shrine at 239 Olomea St. (next to Honolulu Ford Kalihi) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. A stuffed toy animal may serve as a stand-in for a pet. Reservations are not required.

Parking is available on Olomea Street or at Damien Memorial School, where a free shuttle will be avail-able. Call Takizawa at 841-4755 or Bob Harada at 383-9383, or visit www. e-shrine.org.