Dogs of all sizes are being blessed at Christchurch Cathedral today as part of Peata's Therapy Dog Carol Service.
The service aims to celebrate man's best friends and pay homage to the organisation's human and canine volunteers.
Christchurch Cathedral was filled with the sound of carols and howls this afternoon as Peata kicked off its annual doggie carol service.
Dogs from all over Dublin attended the service to bark along with the church's choir and be blessed by Archbishop Micheal Jackson.
Dermot Dunne, the Dean of Christchurch, led the service.
He says he always looks forward to the day.
"This is the highlight of our Christmas really, to see all of the pets here.
"We can take our pets for granted and it's an occasion to give them the highlight."
Peata's volunteer dogs provide therapy services for care facilities across Ireland as well as paying visits to those who are alone or stressed at home or at colleges.
Ian Sutton, chairperson of the organisation, outlines the significance of their work:
"It has been medically proved that pets and dogs reduce stress.
"Our members give up their time on a weekly basis to bring their dogs in to visit those patients who love to see them."
Gino is one of these volunteers.
He visits nursing homes and universities with his dog Rossie.
"It's great to recognise the work that the dogs do and the reward for people who own the dogs.
"They put a smile on peoples faces, they help with depression, anxiety, panic attacks and more."
Peata have been supplying pet therapy services in Ireland for the past 26 years.
