CANINES FROM across Dublin descended on Christ Church Cathedral this week for the city’s annual dog Christmas carol service.
The Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service has become something of a tradition in the Irish capital in recent years.
A voluntary organisation providing pet therapy services, Peata runs a visiting scheme that sees volunteers and their canine companions pay special weekly visits to people in care.
Peata was introduced as a medically supported service in Ireland back in 1996.
Research has shown the health and well-being benefits of the service to nursing homes residents and patients being cared for in hospitals and hospices.
A crowd of canine carollers gathered at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin today for the annual Peata Therapy Dog Carol Service. https://t.co/zLPP1MExkV
Video: https://t.co/o4iPYy09gW pic.twitter.com/edhi8f1Uid— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) December 10, 2019
The annual carol service offers a unique chance for the dogs, owners and patients using the service to come together in celebration and mutual appreciation at this special time of year.
Dogs of every shape and size from a large St Bernard's to a tiny Yorkshire Terrier were in attendance and on their very best behaviour.
As part of the service the he Dean of Christ Church, the Very Reverend Dermot Dunne, treated all the pooches present and their owners to a special blessing up to the altar.
Orla Kerbie from Bettystown in Co Meath was among those in attendance along with her two beloved rescue dogs who also serve as much-needed therapy dogs in hospitals and hospices.
The contribution of hero therapy dogs was celebrated at a festive carol service at #Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral today
⬇️@ZaraKing was there⬇️@cccdub | #VMNews | @PeataIreland1 pic.twitter.com/HOkCNQaM6P— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) December 10, 2019
“Lyla is a Lurcher and the loud one is a terrier cross called Dave. We’re firm believers in rescue dogs. Particularly at this time of year; adopt don’t shop,” she told the Press Association.
“It is always such a nice festive event and the dogs have loved coming here to make new friends.”
The event was all for a good cause with all of the funds raising from the event going to Peata and the Peter McVerry Trust charity.
