A tender gesture by the dogs of the National Police K-9 Unit became one of the most talked-about moments of Independence Day celebrations in Peru last week. They "prayed" alongside their trainers, during their part in the military parade and quickly went viral on social media.
During the Grand Parade and Civic-Military Parade for Independence Day, held on July 29 on Avenida Brasil in Lima, the National Police's Canine Unit once again took part with a display that drew applause from the crowd.
One of the moments that drew the most attention occurred when Beto, a golden retriever, rested his front paws on his handler's knee and lowered his head, giving the impression that he was "praying."
Rony Goñas, a member of the Canine Police Department, explained the meaning behind the demonstration:
"Before starting any activity, we entrust ourselves to the Divine Maker for the corresponding blessing, and in this way, we begin the exercises that follow."
The scene can be seen in the following video, starting at minute 0:53.
This isn't the first time a member of the K-9 Unit has starred in a similar moment. Days earlier, during the Grand Civic School Parade held in the district of Comas, Mittens, a beagle, performed the same gesture before starting her demonstration in front of the main stage.
When introducing the act, one of the officers explained to the audience:
"Mittens is going to say a prayer. She's going to lift up a prayer to our Divine God; she's going to bow in reverence, she's going to say the prayer. She's going to ask on behalf of all of you, so that today goes as well as possible for you, and so that we can reach our destination safely."
What is the function of the K-9 Unit?
The National Police of Peru's K-9 Unit is made up of specially trained dogs that assist in search and rescue operations, detection of explosives and illicit substances, and also take part in security operations and other specialized missions.
The gesture by Beto and Mittens ended up becoming one of the most shared moments of the national celebrations.