In San Donaci on the southeastern shore of Italy, Tommy faithfully goes to Mass every day at Santa Maria Assunta Church.
Tommy is a 7-year-old German Shepherd.
As recounted by Nick Pisa for the Daily Mail, Jan. 16, 2013, Tommy’s owner Maria Margherita Lochi, 57, had found the dog abandoned in some fields close to her home. Lochi had rescued several strays over the years, but she developed a special bond with Tommy.
Every day, Lochi and Tommy would walk to church from their home. The priest would allow the dog to come in and sit at his mistress’ feet during Mass.
Two months ago, Lochi passed away. A funeral service was held, attended by human mourners and Tommy. Since then, the German Shepherd has been a regular at the church every day, arriving on time when the bells ring out to mark the start of services.
Father Donato Panna, who recently lost his own dog, said about Tommy: ”He’s there every time I celebrate Mass and is very well behaved – he doesn’t make a sound, I’ve not heard one bark from him in all the time he has been coming in.
He used to come to Mass with Maria and he was obviously devoted to her – I let him stay inside as he was always so well behaved and none of the other parishoners ever complained to me.
He’s still coming to Mass even after Maria’s funeral, he waits patiently by the side of the altar and just sits there quietly. I didn’t have the heart to throw him out – I’ve just recently lost my own dog so I leave him there until Mass finishes and then I let him out.
Tommy’s been adopted by everyone in the village now and he is everybody’s friend. Everyone looks out for him and leaves food for him – although it would be nice to find a proper home for him.”
Can’t something be done about finding a permanent home for this faithful dog? If Tommy were in the United States, there would be HUNDREDS of people wanting to adopt him.
Here’s the contact info for Santa Maria Assunta Church in San Donaci, Italy:
Parrocchia S. Maria Assunta
1 Via Fabio Filzi
San Donaci, BR 72025
Italy
Phone: +39 0831 635104
H/t FOTM’s igor
~Eowyn
