Every Sunday, Padre Joao Paulo Araujo Gomez opens the doors to everyone (in the parish of Sant’Ana Gravata in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco), but stray dogs are allowed to enter here any day of the week.
Padre Joao is a big animal lover and he dreams of finding deserving owners for all street dogs.
«They can always come here to sleep, eat, drink water. Here they will find shelter and security, because this is God’s house and they are also God’s creations»
The padre also watches over the health of the dogs and each of them is regularly examined by a veterinarian. If the animal is injured, it is treated. Sometimes puppies or kittens are thrown into the church in boxes, and they try to find a family first.
The padre’s deeds are really paying off, the number of street dogs in the area has been greatly reduced since he began his activities. The Internet also helps him in this.He regularly posts photos of dogs on his Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Padre Joao himself set a good example and adopted dogs. Now they live at his house.
In addition to helping animals, the parish of Sant’Ana Gravata is involved in helping families and children in need. They collect things, food and toys for them.
