Strangely, the more we found ourselves searching for dogvotionals, the clearer it became that our strange brown mutt was indeed serving as a spiritually helpful analogue for God.

Eternally loving and quick to forgive? Check. Uncannily all-knowing, especially about all matters food-related? Check. Profound otherness and incomprehensibility? Very much check. Read more

A white crib placed in front of the altar had the cremated remains of a Chihuahua called "Miss Chiwa," which had been a model for dog "clothes" in magazines and TV advertisements.

During the ceremony a woman identified as the "mother" of the dog delivered a speech recalling its "great deeds".

Fr. Lallemand was at her side to encourage her. Continue reading

Belonging to a visually impaired radio journalist, Asia entered the Vatican's vast Paul VI audience hall on Saturday and quietly sat down close to his owner as the pontiff thanked thousands of journalists from all over the world. They all came to Rome to cover the conclave that led to his election as the first Jesuit, first non-European, first Latin American pontiff.

"As I waited in line to enter the hall, the security guards told me that most likely I wouldn't be allowed to get in with the dog," Alessandro Forlani, who works for Italian RAI radio, wrote on his Facebook page.

"But after a few minutes, Vatican officials gave me the green light and I was accompanied by a Swiss guard to the audience hall. They let me sat near the first row of seats," Forlani said.

At the end of the pope's magnetic speech, a selected group of media notables and Vatican-linked communicators, was presented to the pontiff.

While the journalists lined up to be greeted by Pope Francis - some performing the "baciamano," the traditional kissing the pope's ring, others embracing him in bear hugs - Vatican officials approached Forlani.

"They said that Pope Francis had asked to meet me. He had seen Asia and wanted to see both of us," Forlani said.

Asia walked on the stage, briefly sniffed the Pope's white dress and black shoes and then waited patiently as Forlani talked to the pontiff. Continue reading