ASL Solutions Blog

Saint Roch, the patron Saint of Dogs, led a fascinating life. Read all about his life and deeds to learn about why this saint is associated with dogs. The painting "Saint Roch and the Angel" (17th century) by Claude Simpol. Public domain Saint Roch, also known as Saint Rocco , was born in Montpellier, France, in 1295. He was born into the noble family of the governor, St. Roch's father. Roch was his parents' only son, born with a deep red birthmark on his chest in the shape of a cross. This birthmark was a sign that the Virgin Mary had heard his mother's prayers (she had struggled with infertility). Roch was a fastidiously religious child who fasted twice a week, just like his devout mother. When Roch's parents died, he was merely twenty years old, and he didn't want to be the governor. Roch gave his inheritance to the poor and the title of governor to his uncle, beginning a new life as a mendicant pilgrim (one who relies on alms and begging to survive). F...

St. Gertrude on a stained glass window; Basilica of Our Lady in Tongeren, Belgium Born in 626 into a noble family in what is now present-day Belgium, St Gertrude of Nivelles was expected to do many things were her life    marry into a suitable noble family chosen by her father, bear children, and dutifully do what she was told. She wasn't too keen on this, though, and wasn't afraid to say so. When her father hosted a banquet for the king, the king summoned Gertrude to his presence and asked her to marry the son of a duke. She reportedly lost her temper and "refused him with an oath", declaring that not only would she not marry this young man, but she would marry no young man at all, and her devotion was only to Christ. When Gertrude's father died, she moved with her mother Itta to Nivelles, where they built a monastery. They ran the monastery together, and eventually Gertrude took over completely as abbess. She was devoted to scholarship and charity, taking caring...

Ever wonder how many dog and cat holidays there are? Quite a lot. Journey on to learn about some of the weird and wacky holidays that people have come up with to celebrate our animal companions (and some more serious, educational days, too). [Updated semi-annually.] January (2024) I can't believe you make me poop outside in this. Month-long: Walk Your Pet Month National Train Your Dog Month Unchain a Dog Month Day-by-day: January 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day; Happy Mew Year for Cats Day January 7: National Alaskan Malamute Day January 6: National Cuddle Up Day January 8: National Labrador Retriever Day January 9: National Australian Shepherd Day January 13: National French Bulldog Day January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day; National Basset Hound Day January 15: National American Eskimo Dog Day January 21: National Squirrel Appreciation Day January 22: National Answer Your Cat's Question Day; National Yorkshire Terrier Day January 24: Change a Pet's Life Day ...