There were paws on the pews of Christchurch Cathedral at the annual blessing of dogs today.
They came in all shapes and sizes, all welcome – just no cats allowed – this was a day to celebrate the canines in our lives.
It was a chance too for well-walked owners to take stock.
"I just think it's a nice tradition at this time of the year. It makes it feel more like Christmas," says Georgina Robinson, who brought her dog Vladimir, along.
‘It’s good for the year ahead and the mindset to have a nice, serene moment before the madness starts,’ she says.
Michelle Berigan and her dog Lola agreed.
"I came because it recognises Lola," she says.
"It gives me an opportunity to do something with Lola, which is lovely. There’s not many things you can do with your dog. The dogs are welcome and it’s really lovely here, to come and get the dog bless which is no harm either."
The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, himself a dog owner, today stressed the importance of the pets.
"They can bring affection, they can bring delight and they can bring belonging," he said. "It’s important because we all need to know that we’re loved, we try to love each other but the dogs love us first and maybe they love us best.".
Also here today were members of the Peata Pet Therapy charity, which provides dogs to visit hospitals and care homes. Margo Wrigley is its chairperson.
"Often, particularly people in nursing homes have had dogs when they’ve been at home and they miss not having a dog," she says. "It really does seem to bring a sense of joy into a room."
All on their best behaviour today, there were no fights or little accidents to report at today’s service.
The dogs were also faultless.
