Church hosts carol concert with a twist - as pets allowed to attend for howl-a-long

 

• Carols for the Animals was held at St. Botolph's in London on December 11

A church in London hosted a carol service with a twist – as pets were allowed to line the pews for a festive howl-a-long.

The service - called Carols for the Animals - was held at St. Botolph-without-Bishopsgate church in London on December 11.

More than one hundred people attended the joyful event alongside 25 dogs - dressed in festive neckerchiefs, Christmas jumpers and antlers.

St Botolph's is an animal-friendly church and Freddie, the Rector's black Labrador, is often present to help welcome visitors – and howl along to hymns.

So it only made sense that all attendees were more than welcome to bring their four-legged friends along to the carol concert, especially as all funds raised went to the International Animal Rescue (IAR).

The multi-species howl-a-long was also attended by Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan, an IAR patron, while musical ensemble The Massive Violins provided music for the carols.

A mother and daughter sing a hymn from the booklet titled Carols for the Animals as their pup watches on

A terrier behaves himself as candles surround him in St Botolph's church in London

Dogs sit on their owners' laps as the carol service takes place

Speaking of the heartwarming service, IAR President Alan Knight said: 'We're driven by a simple yet powerful goal - to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect animals in need while creating lasting change for wildlife and their habitats.'

Here, FEMAIL recaps the festive paw-formance by taking a look at the cutest pooches in attendance.

A labradoodle receives a chin scratch from its owner as she sings Christmas carols

Alan Knight, President of the International Animal Rescue, speaks at the carol service 

A choir dressed in traditional gowns sing with the congregation

A woman smiles as her pooch poses for the camera

A black Labrador can't help but take in all the puppy love from attendees at the service

Representatives from the International Animal Rescue sell merchandise to raise money for their charity

Paw-ticipants of the howl-a-long service pose for the camera with their owners

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14189667/Church-hosts-carol-concert-pets-allowed.html