João Paulo Araujo Gomes is not a common priest. In addition to spiritually guiding his community in Pernambuco, Brazil, **he turned his church into a temporary shelter for abandoned dogs.** With love and dedication, he rescues them, takes care of them, and [looks for them a foster home](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/taxis-la-creativa-forma-de-promover-la-adopcion-de-perritos-en-la-ciudad/), integrating them into the masses to promote empathy among the faithful towards them.
Araujo Gomes’ initiative started in 2019 when, repeatedly encountering injured and abandoned dogs, he decided to take action. With the support of his congregation, **he began to feed them, bathe them, and provide veterinary care.** Since then, his parish Sant’Anna Gravatá has become a key point for responsible adoption.
What makes his work unique is the **integration of rescued dogs into the mass.** During the ceremonies, the faithful can interact with the animals and, if they feel called to do so, give them a home. In this way, Araujo Gomes **managed to significantly reduce the number of stray dogs** in the area.
Despite the success of his initiative, the priest faces difficulties. He does not have an official shelter, only some temporary spaces that are usually overcrowded. Through social networks, **he asks for help to continue his mission, promoting adoption and respect for animals.** In his own words: *”I can only rescue you if you adopt. Don’t buy, adopt. The most beautiful race is the one with the saddest story.”*
## Beyond adoption: a commitment to animal protection
The priest also **works on sterilizing dogs** to control the stray population and provides assistance to those who have suffered abuse or have health problems.
Now, from his position as director of the chapel of Hospital São Sebastião in Caruaru, he continues his work, [accompanied by veterinarians](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/para-fomentar-la-adopcion-de-perros-adultos-daran-atencion-veterinaria-de-por-vida/) and volunteers who share **his passion for animal welfare.**
His dedication has moved thousands of people, who **consider him an example of compassion and altruism.** *”The priest has already earned heaven by caring for and giving so much love to the furry ones,”* express his followers.
## **The benefits of adopting a pet**
Adopting a pet can have **many benefits**, such as improving health, self-esteem, and mood. It can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness.
### **Health benefits**
– Reduces stress, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
– Prevents allergies and colds.
– Improves physical condition.
### **For mood enhancement**
– Improves self-esteem.
– Reduces stress.
– Helps combat depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
– Releases hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, generating feelings of well-being, happiness, and trust.
### **Benefits for society**
– Contributes to reducing the number of dogs and cats living in shelters.
– Helps prevent the commercialization of animals from clandestine breeders.
– Contributes to building a more humane society.
### **For the family**
– Provides fun and companionship for the whole family.
– Helps children and adults learn about caring, respecting, and loving animals and nature.
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