There is a festival in Nepal dedicated solely to thanking dogs for their loyalty and friendship

The thought of this beautiful festival is lightening the heavy hearts of dog lovers everywhere, amid horrendous news bites from another kind of festival in Yulin, China, recently.

More: China ‘set to ban dog meat’ at notorious Yulin festival

The media is making a big deal about people eating dogs in China, but when is the last time WE honored a furry friend? #tihar #furbabies #nepal #doglovers #animalrights

A post shared by Allie Jenelle (@allie.jenelle) on Jun 25, 2015 at 11:20am PDT

People on social media drew the comparison as well, giving heartbroken dog lovers a reason to feel hopeful again.

One more just because they look so proud. 🐕 #kukurtihar

A post shared by Kelly Brown (@lulaandsailor) on Jun 25, 2015 at 8:58am PDT

“For all of you as disturbed as I am by the #YulinDogMeatFestival in #China,” this Instagrammer wrote, “Here is some happier news about a festival in #Nepal that honors dogs for their special friendship with humans on the second day of #Tihar.”

More: China ‘set to ban dog meat’ at notorious Yulin festival

For all of you as disturbed as I am by the #YulinDogMeatFestival in #China. Here is some happier news about a festival in #Nepal that honors dogs for their special friendship with humans on the second day of #Tihar. #FestivalOfLights #KukarTihar #Diwali 💟 #ThereIsStillHopeForHumanity

A post shared by Kimberly (@kimberlooove) on Jun 25, 2015 at 11:08am PDT

Some people, seeing these images, decided to adorn their own pups in flowers.

In Nepal they have a five day festival “Diwali” where the fourth day “Kukur Tihar” is dedicated to honouring dogs. This little cuties wearing his flower garland and Tika on his forehead. I think China and the Yulin festival could take a few notes from Nepal. ❤️🌺🐶🌺❤️ #diwali #kukurtihar #tika #nepalesehinduism #dogs #stoptheyulinfestival

A post shared by Maria Holmes 🍃 (@maria_maher_) on Jun 25, 2015 at 2:16am PDT

Today we saw lots of posts on Facebook about Kukur Tihar festival in Nepal, where people adorn their dogs with flowers to acknowledge their loyalty, love and cuteness!! I got adorned by my humans!! 🐶🌸🐶🌼🐶🌺 #dogs #kukurtihar #nepal #mansbestfriend #diwali #tihar #ilovemydog #whippet #greyhound #sighthound #lurcher #flowers #cute #kukur

A post shared by Prim (@prim_stagram) on Jun 25, 2015 at 8:53am PDT