St Roche also known as St Roch, St Rocco, St Roque was born in France around 1295. Legend has it that he was born into a wealthy family and had great empathy for the sick and the poor . He denounced his nobility and made a pilgrimage to Rome to care for the victims of the plague.

He contracted the disease and hid in the forest so he would not burden anyone with his suffering. He was befriended by a dog who brought him food and licked his wounds until he recovered.

It is said that by the time he returned home, his family had all passed away and no one had recognized him. He was put in prison for spying and false impersonation. His dog remained with him in jail for five years until he died.

He is the patron saint of dogs and all those who love them, as well as surgeons, bachelors and those who are falsely accused.

In parts of South America and Italy his feast day August 16th, is called the “birthday of all dogs”, in which the dogs around town can be seen with colorful ribbons tied to them.

Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Center in FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

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