Loyal dog attends mass every day after owner’s funeral, waits by the altar

A loyal dog attends mass every day at the church where his owner’s funeral was held. Tommy, the loyal dog who is a 7-year-old German shepherd, used to walk to church with his owner whenever the church bells would ring to announce the beginning of mass, reports WKMG on Jan. 17, 2013.

The loyal dog’s owner, Maria Margherita Lochi, had rescued the stray German shepherd and adopted him.

Day after day, Maria and her loyal dog attended church mass in the Santa Maria Assunta church in San Donaci in southern Italy. Throughout the mass, Tommy used to sit quietly at Maria’s feet.

When Maria died at the age of 57 last November, Tommy followed Maria’s coffin as it was carried by her community members to the church. During Maria’s funeral service, her loyal dog sat by the steps of the altar.

Since Maria’s funeral, her loyal dog has continued to attend mass. Tommy still sits by the steps at the altar.

Every day for the past two months, Maria’s loyal dog has run to the church at the sound of the church bells. No one of the parishioners is complaining about Tommy’s presence during mass.

Father Donato Panna has only the greatest respect for Maria’s loyal dog and says that "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 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."

While Father Donato Panna takes care of Tommy’s church attendance, other community members are looking out for Maria’s loyal dog.

Since Maria’s death, her loyal dog has been adopted by the community. Villagers are providing Maria’s loyal dog with food and water and “allow him to sleep nearby.”

Knowing the loyalty of canines, Tommy’s grieving time might last as long as it does for many loyal dogs; a life time.

Update on Feb. 14, 2013: Tommy, the loyal dog who attended mass, died

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