At the end of February, Franciscan monks from Cochabamba, Bolivia unleashed some much-needed cuteness unto the world. According to The Dodo, the monastery recently announced that a stray schnauzer named Carmelo – though his official title is Fray Bigotón because of his mustache – had joined its order. The gray pup wears a miniature habit as he goes around doing dog things. “His life is all about playing and running,” friar Jorge Fernández. “Here, all of the brothers love him very much. He is a creature of God.”
Of course, Bigotón would feel right at home here. After all, Francis of Assissi – who founded the Franciscan order – was the patron saint of animals. Carmelo’s adoption was made possible thanks to local animal rescue group Proyecto Narices Frías. The group now hopes that other religious institutions feel inspired to do the same. “If all the churches in our country adopted just one puppy and care for him like Fray Bigotón, we’re sure that other congregations would follow their lead.”
We can only hope. In the meantime, check out these adorable pictures below: