Dogs are incredible creatures that deserve nothing but love and care. Sadly not all dogs receive this treatment. Many are often abused or abandoned when people realize that caring for an animal takes actual work. This is a very sad reality for many dogs all over the world. In Brazil many dogs roam the streets in search of food, clean water, shelter, and most importantly love. There is one man who is doing what he can for these pups to help them get adopted. You might find this method of adoption rather interesting and honestly, it really is a pretty good idea. Today we will be talking about Father João Paulo Araujo Gomes and his adoptive Mass service.
Father João Paulo Araujo Gomes is the leader of the parish of Santana which is located in Gravatá. Gravatá is a rather large city in Brazil. Finding stray dogs really is not an issue here, especially if you are looking to adopt. Father João does something incredibly kind for the stray dogs as well. He helps to give them all a second chance at a real home and family. Every Sunday this warm hearted priest gathers a bunch of dogs together that need homes and adopt them out during his sermon. Let us face it, if more churches had dogs I think a lot more people would attend Mass or church.
Dogs always make everything better. They also provide for us in so many different ways. Ways such as how their face always lights up when you come home, endless laughs, never ending love, loyalty, and countless memories. The least that we can do for these poor dogs is to give something back to all of them. Not to mention that many do not have a loving home. In all essence religion has nothing to do with it where as kindness and compassion do. If we all just practiced these two basic things then this world would be a much better place. This is just one example as to how we can make a difference.
Father João Paulo Araujo Gomes actually houses these homeless dogs as well to keep them safe from the streets. He houses them in his rectory. He never fails to bring them all every Sunday and helps them being noticed and hopefully going home with a new family. Father João Paulo does not just bring them along however. The Father also gives them each a special spot so he or she can be the center of attention. He loves to honor them all and give them the respect they deserve. Now just because these adorable guys and gals have a special spot during the service, it does not mean that they will always stay still.
Dogs can be very high maintenance and have a lot of energy to burn off. This is very normal to some while others may have no clue at all as what to expect. Naturally every dog is different, but most of Father João Paulo’s dogs will join him up at the altar. This leads back into how much energy dogs have and the amount of attention they need from their humans. You can often find dogs during Sunday Mass that love to get their head pets and belly rubs right in the middle of the service. Of course Father João never says no to a sweet dog.
Father João Paulo Araujo Gomes recently posted on Facebook, “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,“. Father João really engages the community on spreading the word not only about the church, but to spread the word about dogs needing loving homes. He also encourages anyone who is looking for a forever friend to come attend service. This one man alone is using his love for his religion to help out animals in need and he should be commended for that. He is making a huge difference for them.
Most rescue and homeless dogs are victims of abuse, neglect, and the harsh conditions of life on the streets. They also need urgent attention and help from people like Father João Paulo. This man is incredibly compassionate for so many different reasons. He feeds, houses, waters, and loves on these dogs like they have never experienced before. This one individual continues to make a huge difference in the city of Gravatá.
