The World Animal Day celebration in the Philippines was highlighted by a special blessing of pets, and the wedding of 15 four-legged couples led by Pomeranians Michi and Mochi.

Owners Ianne De Guia and Bryan Largo, who joined hundreds of other pet lovers for the animal blessing, said Michi and Mochi — dressed in a gown and tuxedo for the occasion — were able to cement their union after recently having puppies.

The canine couples were wed at a Quezon City shopping mall where hundreds of animals, including cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, also received blessings in a drive-through and in-person ceremony from a priest who sprinkled them with holy water.

It was the first in-person ceremony since the pandemic to mark World Animal day – celebrated worldwide to recognise animal rights and welfare – which falls on October 4, also the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. (Reuters)