I thank Saint Anthony because I married a good man who loves me and the animals. He accepted me with my monkey, dogs, cats and parrot. Now we all live happily on his ranch.

Cayetana Pantoja was cooking mole at the kitchen, when a dog ran chasing a cat and overthrew the pot with boiling mole on her legs. Through this retablo, she thanks Saint Paschal because the burns were minors.

Puebla, 1925

I wanted to surprise my family so I dressed up as Santa Claus and got in the house to put the gifts around. One thing I didn’t think through is that my dog Rambo wouldn’t recognize me, attack me and chase all around the house. I thank Saint Charbel for my wife could hold the dog before he did more damage to the house and bit my rented Santa Claus costume in pieces.

Abelino Torres, Puebla

In Puebla, 1940, doña Juquina Benitez’ son got sick with jaundice, and it became very grave. No remedy would help him, and she entrusted him to the Child of Atocha. The next day the painter Frida visited them. She brought some medicine and a puppy, and the boy was cured. She gives infinite thanks for that.

The girl Lupita Corona was bitten by an evil dog when she was leaving the bakery shop. She went home, and her mother took care of her. But the fever wouldn’t go away, and they told her that the dog was rabid and the girl should be taken to the doctor. But the doctor said that the girl was about to die. Seeing her daughter’s trouble, she entrusted her to the Holy Mary of Guadalupe, promising wholeheartedly to order this retablo, because her daughter was suffering a lot. After that she began her recovery. Thanks to you now she’s alright. I bring you the promise for the received miracle.

Eternally grateful señora Lupe Hernandez and señor Jose Demetrio Corona
Guanajuato, 2–Nov–1941

I give thanks to Saint Anthony the Great for having found a loyal dog who has become my real guard. I always go out to my garden to take the sun but my nosy neighbor used to look at me and pester me, and I felt insecure and uncomfortable. But now my Spike protects me.

Valentina Segura ~ Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon

While I was sleeping in my bed on the night of August 25, 1962, I was attacked by a martian who came in through the window. The same time another martian entered my flat through the door. Although they destroyed my doggy Sparky, thanks to the timely intervention of the ground defense and the divine work of the Virgin of Zapopan I was unharmed.

I, a street musician, was walking with my doggies Canico and Capi, when suddenly the bony death appeared dancing to the rhythm of my violin. I was so scared, I implored the Holy Cross, and it disappeared.

Anastacio Valdez

The monkey tugged my beard when Saint Lazarus appeared to tame this beast. I thank with this exvoto. I, the Bearded woman of the circus.

On September 19, 2017, there was a terrible earthquake in Mexico, and my brother was trapped under the debris of the collapsed building where he lived. But after few hours the dog Frida found him, and thanks to her his life was saved. I ask Saint Francis of Assisi, with this retablo, to protect and look after Frida and other rescue dogs who risk their lives to save ours at these catastrophes.

Magdalena S., Mexico City

One of my mistress’ pets got sick, and, since no remedy would help it, I asked Saint Maroun to heal it because my mistress was very sad. And the other day the dog woke up healthy. I’m infinitely grateful for that.

Ramona Ruiz, Mexico, 1939

Thank you Saint Mary full of Grace for saving Phoebe the Velvet Sausage from Baby the Rampaging Playmonster.

When I was taking my little daughter to visit her grandmother, we were attacked by some rabid dogs. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for they didn’t bite her.

Toluca, October 5, 1959