He was thrilled to participate.
Once a year, The Grotto — a Catholic sanctuary and outdoor shrine tucked into the hills of Portland, Oregon — opens its plaza to a very different kind of congregation. Dogs, cats, and every kind of beloved pet line up beside their humans for the Blessing of the Animals, a tradition tied to the Catholic devotion to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. It’s a date pet parents in the community circle on their calendar every year — though this time, one guest made sure nobody would forget it.
Front-Row Seats for a Dog Who Loves to Sing
Sebastian Gonzalez got to the plaza early with his Siberian husky, Monti, and settled into the front row beside his wife, Serina. The plan was simple: sit quietly, listen to the blessing, enjoy a peaceful morning together.
There was just one thing Sebastian hadn’t planned for. Monti has always loved to sing.
The Moment the Priest Started Singing
The instant the priest opened the service with “Hallelujah,” Monti’s ears went up, and he wasn’t about to stay quiet. He joined right in, howling along beside him.
Instead of being thrown off, the priest was delighted. He turned to Monti mid-song and handed him the microphone.
How it unfolded:
Priest sings → Monti howls along → Mic gets passed → Monti takes his solo → The plaza cheers
A Star Is Howled Into Being
Monti didn’t waste his moment. He howled straight into the mic, clearly thrilled to have the whole plaza as his audience, while Sebastian and Serina laughed beside him, watching their dog steal the show.
“He’s always loved to sing along.”
— Sebastian Gonzalez
Not a Single Person Was Upset
Here’s the thing about a room full of pet parents: nobody minds a little howling. Everyone at the mass laughed along with Monti, his family, and the priest, cheering him on as he kept right on singing.
Already Counting Down to Next Year
The Blessing of the Animals drew pet parents and their animal companions of every shape and size this year — and by the sound of it, Monti has already claimed his spot for next year’s front row.
“This annual blessing is a special moment of community each year.”
— The Grotto