IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Meet Friar Mustache: Monks induct stray dog into their brotherhood

Monks at a Franciscan monastery in Bolivia recently took in a new member: a formerly stray dog.
/ Source: TODAY

Oh, brother! This is cute.

Monks at a Franciscan monastery in Bolivia recently took in a new member, a formerly stray dog who now goes by the name Friar Bigotón — or Friar Mustache, in English.

Dog goes from stray to monastery resident
Oh, brother! Friar Bigotón went from stray dog to monastery resident.Kasper Mariusz Kapro? Ofm

Friar Bigotón's less formal name is Carmelo, and he looks dapper as can be in his new habit.

RELATED: Injured hiker has tearful reunion with the dog he had to leave behind

Friar Bigotón, aka Carmelo the dog
Enjoy your new life, Carmelo.Kasper Mariusz Kapro? Ofm

Carmelo joined the monastery, in the city of Cochabamba, with the help of a local animal rescue group called Proyecto Narices Frías, or the Cold Nose Project.

The group posted to Facebook it hoped Carmelo's adorable story — which, understandably, has gone super-viral this week — would inspire more folks to consider taking in a homeless animal.

RELATED: People couldn't look past this pit bull's grumpy face — so this woman stepped in

As for Friar Bigotón — at least some of the humans he lives with seem a little mystified that their mustachioed friend has attracted so much attention.

From stray dog to monastery resident
Welcome to the brotherhood!Kasper Mariusz Kapro? Ofm

The dog himself appears to be enjoying every second.

"His life is all about playing and running," Friar Jorge Fernandez told The Dodo. "Here, all of the brothers love him very much. He is a creature of God."