Hearing dog Rogan Josh, the Cavalier King Charles cocker spaniel who won Best Dressed, with owner Vanessa Creamer. Photo / Frances Cook
Hearing dog Rogan Josh, the Cavalier King Charles cocker spaniel who won Best Dressed, with owner Vanessa Creamer. Photo / Frances Cook
The barks, wagging tails, and regal llama watching the rest of the madness, let you know you're in the right place for the Blessing of the Animals.
The annual event sees Wellington pets of all sizes welcomed into the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul for the morning, to celebrate thelife of St Francis of Assisi and World Animal Day.
There's even a howling rendition of All Creatures Great and Small.
SPCA volunteer Liz Smith and a still-nameless puppy. Photo / Frances Cook
SPCA corporate services manager Ros Alsford said it was all about bringing the community together.
"What nice about this service is the dogs can join in, the cats can meow, the dogs can bark, it all just makes it more beautiful.
"From those who come along, there's just huge buy-in. People are so incredibly supportive of the SPCA.
Mabel meets her adoring public. Photo / Frances Cook
"We do advertise to our supporters and members, but it always goes wider than that, a lot of the general public and children come along. It's a very humbling experience actually."
SPCA organisers had warned some pets wouldn't be happy surrounded by other animals, people, and noise, but owners were still able to bring a photo of their pet to be blessed instead.
Michael Romanos and corgi Fletcher Evans won best Owner-Pet Lookalikes. Photo / Frances Cook
Llama wrangler Stephen Mulholland brought along Hob, a 12-year-old Llama who's boss of the herd back in Tawa.
But while out and about in public, Hob becomes "an extremely chill" ambassador for animal welfare.
Hob the llama, with owner Stephen Mulholland. Photo / Frances Cook
"I've been working with the SPCA at the school holiday programme, but he's also been to Rimutaka Prison, he's been to CYF facilities," Mulholland said.
"I'm a very strong proponent of animal welfare generally, and SPCA is one of the charities that I support.
The angelic Frida Farrah Fawcett, with owner Amy Smith. Photo / Frances Cook
"So he's been to a lot of street appeals. At a street appeal, everyone's seen a dog, but when you bring in a llama?
"What I've noticed is people come up, and they pet him, and they suddenly look guilty and put money in the bucket."
Catriona Matheson and Debbie Bal took the opportunity to stock the Cathedral's Saturday market with dog treats. Photo / Frances Cook
Pete the foxy was happy to help out behind the stall. Photo / Frances Cook
Despite a wet, grey, Wellington day, pet owners enthusiastically turned up for the event.
Around 200 owners and their furry companions packed into the cathedral.
