I’ve known all along that dogs are extraordinary animals, capable of doing things that first seem to be more than beyond the realm of possibility for a being with four legs. On the other hand, I never in a million years would have guessed that a dog could be a monk. In any case, whether you want to accept it or not, this lovable puppy demonstrates that the reverse is true. Carmelo, now known as Friar Bigotón, is the lone furry inhabitant of the Franciscan monastery located in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Please say hello to everyone!

Carmelo’s designation as a friar seems more than appropriate given that St. Francis of Assisi, the saint after whom the Franciscan order was created, is known as the patron saint of animals. This is despite the fact that it is very strange to witness a puppy living the life of a friar. Not only does Friar Bigotón have the name of a monk, but he also dresses the part by donning a teeny-tiny version of the Franciscan habit.

Carmelo’s life was anything from simple to when he was a homeless teenager before the monks took him in and raised him as one of their own. The dog’s life was transformed, however, when it was taken in by a local animal shelter known as Proyecto Narices Fras. And since their endeavor was so fruitful, the organization is keeping its fingers crossed that the touching tale of Carmelo may serve as motivation for other religious communities to follow suit and adopt animals in the not-too-distant future.

Regarding the responsibilities that Friar Bigotón was responsible for, his other friars said that it was not essential for him to break any of his previous routines. As a result, the prettiest inmate of the monastery is spending his time in pretty much the same manner as any other canine. Jorge Fernandez, a monk at the monastery, was quoted as saying to The Dodo that “his existence is all about fun and jogging.” “Every single one of the brothers here loves him tremendously. He is something that God has made.”

However, as we can see from these cute pictures that the monks posted online, the puppy enjoys fishing just as much as they do. According to the writings of Franciscan Kasper Mariusz Kapro, “Here’s Brother Carmelo preaching to the fish.”