Chatting with the Governor and Respect For Animals

Patch offered residents a chance to ask Governor Deval Patrick questions on Thursday. Did you participate in the Live Chat? If not, you can see what others asked and how the governor answered.

In other election news, polls were released showing Elizabeth Warren ahead of Scott Brown in the race for a Senate seat so Patch asked influential Democrats and Republicans what both candidates should do in order to win the race this November. It's a battle that all in Massachusetts, and across the country, are following for many reasons including that this state historically elects Democrats for the Senate.

Closer to the homefront, Amy Hand spoke to North End Patch about a dog owner's group she helped start last summer. Responsible Urbanites For Fido (R.U.F.F.), with 109 members as of this week, comprises dog owners in the neighborhood who want to care for their pets in the best way possible while respecting the wishes of others in this community where space is limited.

Members of the group will be at the annual Blessing of the Animals in the North End on Sunday, sponsoring a vet who will administer rabies shots to dogs due for the yearly vaccination.

The service on Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m., commemorates the life of Saint Francis of Assisi -- the patron saint of animals. According to folklore, he was such a friend to all animals that one day -- when happening upon a spot where birds were lined in trees on either side of the road -- Francis excused himself to go breach to them who he called his sisters.

The birds were not frightened. Rather, they loved the saint's voice so much that they gathered around him.