As Lunar New Year approaches, temples across Taiwan are going to the dogs… literally, as pet owners flock for animal blessings!

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Ahead of the Lunar New Year, pet owners bring their furry friends to Chiayi City God Temple for blessings – with special services just for pets!

Temple staff explained that if you light a pet lamp, they’ll throw in a free peace lamp or lamp of enlightenment for the owner, lit right there for you.

The banner outside reads: “Light a pet safety lamp, get a free owner lamp!” causing owners to burst out laughing, and calling it a buy-one-get-one-free, where they are the bonus item. Some also joked that pets have no health insurance, so one illness could potentially cost tens of thousands, whereas owners should just tough it out!
Besides Chiayi, the Shuzhong Land God Temple in Lingya District, Kaohsiung, has also set up a series of pet lighting programs, with some placing it in front of the Tiger God statue and putting a Tiger God coin inside.

One owner said, “Our little dog is a French Bulldog. We're ensuring her safety this year with a free Tiger Lord peace charm!”

Temple Executive Ge Yong-le (葛永樂) noted that it has been running for three years, drawing thousands from across the province to light these pet safety lamps.

Qingyun Temple Monitor Li De-yuan (李德源) said that the animal lamp service is relatively new and trendy. It costs NT$300 (US$10), the same as for people. Most importantly, they haven't raised the price.”

In the new year, some seek wealth or career luck, but many more simply wish for their furry companion to continue to be by their side forever.

Eloise Phillips for Rti News