When Pastor Tom Eggebeen begins speaking in the chapel at the start of Sunday evening service, the congregants will sit, quiet down, and even appear to listen to his words. Only occasionally will one of them bark or growl at visitors.

That's because some of the members in attendance are of the four-legged variety. Back in November, Eggebeen started "Canines at Covenant," a dog-friendly church service at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Westchester, Calif.

Eggebeen, a dog-lover himself, began holding the service at the urging of some church members in order to give people for whom dogs are an important piece of their family a place to worship.

When asked about the community reaction to the idea, the pastor said some people scratched their head. "'Doggie church, huh?' That's what they say," said Eggebeen. "I suppose that's a cute way of saying it."

"But, it's not for dogs," he added. "They don't need it. We do. For many, many families, to be able to worship with their dogs is a beloved treat."

Around 10 to 12 dogs usually pad their way in for the 5 o'clock service, some taking their place in dog beds next to their owners. When the collection basket is passed around, the dogs look forward to the arrival of the second basket which contains dog treats.

Before the service begins, the pastor also collects cards on which members can ask for special consideration during offertory prayers. And at one point, dog owners bow their heads and place their hands on their dogs for a special prayer.

Eggebeen said that the overwhelming response has been generally positive. But, he said that he has received a very few angry e-mail from conservative Christians who consider bringing dogs into a church an abomination.

He added that he has never responded to any of those messages. The majority of the e-mail and correspondence he receives is supportive and encouraging, said Eggebeen.

Emma Sczesniak has been coming to the service since it began. With Marley, a black dachshund and terrier mix, sitting by her in the pew, she said the dogs appear to respond when the pastor speaks.

"I don't know exactly what it is," said Sczesniak. "But they all get very quiet. They sit down and behave. They do seem to be listening to him."

The pastor said many churches have contacted him about his experience with the service and he believes there have been several churches that have started up their own version after speaking with Covenant.

Eggebeen said Covenant's service cannot grow much more because too many dogs in the chapel could make things "edgy." However, he thinks more churches should create their own canine service to reach out to certain populations.

"I'd like to see more churches do this," said Eggebeen. "There are a lot of families out there, younger singles, older couples whose children are up and gone, folks for whom the dog is very much a part of their family life. And, why not? Bring 'em along."