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Young pet owners in China are taking their dogs to worship the Dog God, offering canine food and placing their leashes in incense ashes to pray for the health and safety of their pets. In Chizhou city, eastern China’s Anhui province, the picturesque Jiuhua Mountain, one of China’s four great Buddhist mountains, is home to a unique pagoda dedicated to the Dog God Diting. It is believed to be the only pagoda in the country that honours animals. Legend has it that the Earth Store Bodhisattva, who protects souls and controls disasters, raised a white dog that accompanied him on his spiritual journey. After achieving enlightenment at Jiuhua Mountain, the dog became the divine Diting, a mythical creature with the head of a tiger, a horn, dog ears, a dragon’s body and a lion’s tail. Revered as a symbol of wisdom, justice and loyalty, Diting was believed to have the power to discern good from evil through its keen hearing and understanding of the human heart. To honour Diting, a pagoda was built at Jiuhua Mountain, housing a stone statue of the divine creature. Today, the legend draws visitors from across China, with many bringing their own pets to pay tribute. Official information states that the adult ticket to the scenic area costs 70 yuan (US$10), while pets can enter free of charge. On October 26, a woman known online as Wu Suowei brought her Shiba Inu, Duobao, who suffers from stomach issues, to worship Diting. The area in front of the Diting pagoda was filled with dog food and snack offerings, with many pets and their owners gathered on the lawn. Wu helped Duobao lie on the prayer stool and paid respects to Diting with him. She also circled the pagoda with Duobao three times, asking for the deity’s protection over his health. Afterwards, she placed Duobao’s collar and leash in incense ashes for a few seconds. This is believed to prevent pets from getting lost. Wu said that some dog owners, whose pets have gone missing, bring their photographs to ask Diting about their whereabouts. Monks at the temple gently pet the dogs’ heads and invite both owners and pets to share local spring water together. Nearby teahouses sell protective charms for dogs for 99 yuan (US$14) each and pet-friendly trams offer special seats for dogs. Wu said in her video: “Here, I truly feel the equality of all beings. I believe that under Diting’s protection, Duobao will be happy and safe.” Another visitor shared her experience of bringing her paralysed dog to the Diting Pagoda. She wrote: “A dog’s life is short, and I want to take it to more places so it can create many beautiful memories.” The pagoda has recently gone viral on social media, captivating netizens with its unique blend of tradition and modern pet culture. One online observer said: “Worshiping the Dog God with your pet reflects humanity’s love and understanding of life. It is truly heartwarming.”
