Bolivia Dog Names

Bolivia is a country filled with beautiful landscapes, food, and culture. It's also filled with mystery and a historical lineage that could go on for miles and miles. But perhaps one of its most recognizable traits is how much this little country loves animals. Those fortunate enough to have a pet are often ecstatic at being able to share life with furry companions.

But not everyone can manage this. Due to the economy, many Bolivians struggle with the day-to-day bills and cost of living. And that means that people who once had decent jobs and pets often need to let them go once their job situation changes for the worse. As a result, there's plenty of stray dogs in Bolivia. People often try to feed them, or at least give them water, but the situation is dire. This is something that a little dog known as Carmelo Bigotón knows all too well.

Friar Carmelo Bigotón, or Friar Moustache, was once a stray dog in the streets of Cochabamba, Bolivia. He was discovered and adopted by the monks of St. Francis Monastery, which makes a lot of sense. St. Francis was known as the patron of animals! His life is one of a spoiled dog too, which is rather unexpected. He gets to play, run, and spend time with all the monks, all of whom adore the little dog. Parishioners are often excited to see him, and bring him treats when they can afford it.He also gets to wear a habit, to you know, be one of the guys. 

And in his little outfit, with his huge moustache, he greets visitors to the monastery, looks after the fish in the fountain by the entrance, and really takes his monk duties seriously.

It's been well-documented online, gaining quite the media coverage, and had led to many stating that if more churches were to adopt stray animals, that it could potentially influence parishioners to follow their example.

This little dog went from begging for scraps, searching trash cans, and sleeping in alleys to being the cutest little friar around. He was one of the lucky ones, and if he can help influence more people to adopt a stray and save a life, then... he's one adorable hero, right? Friar Carmelo Bigotón's adoption was made possible by a local animal rescue group called the Cold Nose Project ( Proyecto Narices Frias). It's the organization's hope that Bigotón's story will serve as an inspiration for more monasteries to open their doors to the animals they already often help feed.