Dogs can now get their credentials from the Camino de Santiago

Los perros ya puede recibir su propia credencial

The Camino de Santiago each year receives even higher numbers of pilgrims. Many of these pilgrims come to the Camino accompanied by their pets, who walk with their owners, finish it and return home happily, even though there are many others who, during the journey, are left to their own devices. For all those dogs that reach the goal xacobea, there is already a prize; This is the canine credential, which will be delivered for the first time this Friday to Neo, dog and faithful companion of Mari Carmen Astigarraga, PhD in Philosophy and animal therapist and communicator from Guipúzcoa. Both started last Monday the French Way in the town Lugo of Sarria.

The delivery of the credential will take place at Rúa Fontiñas 27, where the headquarters of the Protective Association of Animais do Camiño (APACA) is located. The APACA association is an entrepreneur of the initiative that was born with the aim of promoting, as they have indicated, "an ethical, supportive and animal-friendly route". In this act, in addition to giving a certificate equivalent to the traditional compostela, will also serve to decorate Astigarraga with the medal to the nobility as a reward for his work with animals and humans in times of illness and grief. This medal will be given by the association Sumamos Argentinos Solidarios (SAS).

This Friday, if there is no problem, the first of many accreditations will be delivered to the dog's name. The title has no official status and does not have the stamp of the Catholic Church. Although, with this idea, they also seek to be able to carry out those thousands of requests from pilgrims. For example, that hostels provide access to pets. In addition, taking advantage of the stay of Mari Carmen Astigarraga, a workshop on animal communication will be offered at the APACA headquarters. It will cost 60 euros and will be held on Saturday 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The operation of the canine credential is the same as with the conventional one. Both have to be sealed at the different points that are on the route. Upon arrival in Santiago, at the APACA premises the document is delivered, similar to the one obtained by pilgrims in the Carretas office. With this title, we try to sensitize pilgrims to the problem of abandonment and mistreatment of animals on the Camino.