A priest is helping homeless dogs get adopted by having them join his church’s service every Sunday.
Father João Paulo Araujo Gomes leads members of Gravatá. Not only does he teach parishioners the ways of Christianity, he also focuses on bringing awareness to the stray dogs in the Brazilian city. During each service, he brings in dogs in need of a forever home, hoping they will get adopted by the community.
Gomes, himself, rescues the dogs from the streets, providing them shelter, along with love, nursing them back to health. The dogs are housed in a rectory overseen by Gomes.
Related: Hotel Adds Two Adorable Bulldogs As Welcoming Committee for Guests
“They will always be able to enter, sleep, eat, drink their water and find shelter and protection, for this house is of God and they are of God,” Gomes wrote on Facebook.
And every Sunday some of the dogs make their way to the church and are front and center. They are not only seeking affection but also to catch the eye of someone looking to welcome a new four-legged friend into their home.
Because of this efforts, dozens of dogs have found a home, including those who were in critical condition.
“I helped several dogs with serious health problems. Some of them I brought to the parish house and they were later adopted. Three of them stayed with me. Today, they are my children and sleep in my bed,” Gomes told Bored Panda.
Related: Special Exhibit Show the Bond We Share With Our Dogs
