Bolivians take their dogs to be blessed on Saint Roch day

Catholics in Bolivia celebrated St. Roch's Day, honoring the patron saint of dogs. In the city of El Alto, a special outdoor mass was held to mark the day at Cuerpo de Cristo church. Pet owners then gathered to have their dogs blessed with holy water. The priest also prayed for the thousands of stray animals living on the streets.

It is believed, that St Roch, or San Roque, who was born in France around 1295, was saved by a dog that brought him food when he got sick the plague.