THE annual Peata (Irish for “pet”) Carol Service was held at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, on Tuesday, to celebrate the contribution that therapy dogs make to the lives of the people whom they visit in caring institutions.

Therapy dogs of all shapes and sizes barked their way into the festive spirit, and other dogs and their owners also attended.

The service was led by the Dean, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne, with Christ Church Girls’ Choir.

Peata is a voluntary organisation that provides a pet-therapy service to caring institutions. Its visiting scheme involves approved volunteers and their dogs, who generally pay weekly visits.