Italy Dog Frequent Churchgoer Since Owner Died

PET MD ^

[nickcarraway]

Since his owner died over two months ago, Tommy the dog has not missed a single mass in the small church in southern Italy where his mistress's funeral was held, Italian media said last month.

When the bells of the Santa Maria Assunta church begin to toll each afternoon in San Donaci near Brindisi, the 12-year-old German Shepherd sets off from the village to get himself a front row seat next to the altar, Il Messaggero newspaper said.

[nickcarraway]

[CGASMIA68]

The dog misses her and is waiting for her to come back.....sad

[allmendream]

Obviously a “Domini canes”.

[Vendome]

Poor thing.

[nickcarraway]

Ping

[llevrok]

no back sliddin’ pup

[NonValueAdded]

Dog spelled backwards ...

[1_Rain_Drop]

Does Pope Francis need a dog?

[clee1]

Greater love hath no man than this.....

[supremedoctrine]

“The Spirit made Fur”

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[lonevoice]

"After following his mistress's coffin up to the church on the day of her funeral, Tommy has returned daily, sitting quietly throughout masses, baptisms and funerals, according to local priest Donato Panna, who now wouldn't do without him."

I hope Tommy has found lots of comfort, friendship, and tasty treats on his daily visits to the church, because this is just darn sad. Poor fellow.

[Salamander]

Awwwwwwwww......:(

[Joe 6-pack]

“Do the bonds of relationship extend beyond this life? We have no proof, one way or another. But there is a depth to our experience that awakens faith, faith that in the mysterious character of life ultimately nothing of real value will ever be lost. Our closest relationships, both with humans and with dogs somehow point beyond themselves, leading us to hope that there is indeed something of the eternal present in them."

~The Monks of New Skete

[LibertarianLiz]

The Italian version of Greyfriar’s Bobby. Dogs are wonderful creatures.

[TheOldLady]

Thanks Bump!

[tob2]

Yes they are. Their loyalty knows no bounds.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Not in Italian.

Very sweet story, posted here some months ago.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Loyal dog continues to attend mass at church where owner’s funeral was held

Dog Turns up to Dead Owner's Church Every Day

[A.A. Cunningham]

Tommy, the loyal dog who attended mass, died

R.I.P. Tommy

Update on Feb. 14, 2013:

Maria Lochi’s son, Sebastian, posted the message of Tommy’s death on Maria Lochi’s and Tommy’s Facebook page on Tuesday.

“Purtroppo devo dare a tutti una triste notizia… Tommy non è più con noi! Si è spento nel sonno alle ore 15:45 a causa di un arresto cardiaco. Riposa in pace caro amico.”

“Unfortunately I have to give everyone sad news … Tommy is no longer with us! [He] Went off in his sleep at 15:45 due to a cardiac arrest. Rest in peace dear friend.”

After communicating with Italy in regard to Tommy’s specific sickness and cause of death, there is no other explanation provided other than that Tommy died of a broken heart.

The villagers believe that after waiting for months for his owner to return to the altar where he had last seen her, Tommy finally realized that she was not going to come back to him and that it was time for him to go to her.