Stray Dog Wandered Into A Monastery So They Made Him An ‘Honorary Friar’ To Encourage Pet Adoptions

The latest “friar” to join the Franciscan monastery in Cochabamba, Bolivia is causing quite the stir on the internet. And for good reason, he’s absolutely adorable! And no, I’m not talking about a person.

The friars of the monastery had recently adopted a dog from the local animal rescue, and in a well-meaning joke, they clad him in the traditional Franciscan robes.

The photos have been going down so well as so many people around the world are just in love with the cuteness that is a dog dressed as a friar. And the wonderful thing is, these friars had no idea that their jest would end up shining a spotlight on the importance of animal adoption.

Kasper Mariusz Kapron Order of Friars Minor were the ones who adopted the dog. The dog, named Carmelo, was rescued from the organization, Proyecto Narices Frias. Translated, the rescue’s name means Cold Nose Project. However, Carmelo did earn himself the nickname, Friar Bigoton, or Friar Moustache, in Spanish.

And the pictures suggest that while he’s living in a monastery, Carmelo is really enjoying his new life.

He gets to spend time cuddling with Friars Freddy Albarez and Jorge Fernandez…

As well as practicing his “preaching” skills on the monastery’s fish.

According to The Dodo, prior to his monastic life, Carmelo had been a stray.

As Friar Jorge Fernandez said, “His life is all about playing and running. Here, all of the brothers love him very much. He is a creature of God.”

The monastery is of the Order of St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals. So there is no doubt that Carmelo ended up in the right place. And Carmelo doesn’t wear his robes all the time, just for special picture ops.

What a lucky dog to end up with Franciscan friars. Watch the video below: