A chief priest of Chodenji, an ancient temple in Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, has found a novel way to cheer up bereaved family members after a funeral using his pet dog.

Bride, a 7-year-old female mixed breed, has learned how to fold her front paws together in apparent prayer.

"Turning (the visitors') sadness into smiles is not a job that I can do," Gijo Enomoto, 67, said.