A stray dog named Johnny wandered into the Chapel of Santa Ana and San Joaquín in Barretos, Brazil, searching for food and shelter. Father Luiz Paulo Soares welcomed him, and Johnny soon began following him everywhere, including Mass.
Seeing how calm and integrated Johnny was with the congregation, the priest made him a small altar server outfit and affectionately dubbed him the parish’s “cãoroinha” (a play on the Portuguese words for “dog” and “altar server”).
Johnny now reliably attends services, processions, weddings, baptisms, and other parish events, often sitting quietly at the altar or greeting parishioners and receiving gentle pets.
Videos and photos of Johnny in his miniature liturgical attire quickly went viral, charming many online with his gentle demeanor and apparent devotion to church life.
Father Luiz has cared for other street dogs as well, using Johnny’s journey as a testament to kindness and how welcoming those in need can transform lives.
