Labrador blessed by Pope Francis
Image: Asià - Rossella Lorenzi
Pope Francis departed from tradition on Saturday when he blessed a yellow Labrador Retriever named Asià.
Radio journalist Alessandro Forlani, and his guide dog Asià, waited to enter the Vatican's Paul VI audience hall on Saturday, as journalists from all over the world gathered to report on the election of Pope Francis.
"As I waited in line to enter the hall, the security guards told me that most likely I wouldn't be allowed to get in with the dog," said Forlani, who works for Italian RAI radio.
However, after a few minutes, Forlani and Asià were given the green light by Vatican officials, and escorted to the audience hall by a Swiss guard.
Following the pope's speech to those gathered in the hall, Vatican officials informed Forlani that Pope Francis had asked to meet him and Asià.
Asià reportedly sat quietly onstage as her owner spoke to the pope. After blessing Forlani's wife and daughter, Pope Francis bent down to caress the dog, saying: "and a special blessing for your dog too."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
