Loyal Dog Continues To Attend Mass At Church Where Owner’s Funer - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

KHQ.COM - A loyal dog whose owner died late last year has apparently been showing up for mass every day for the last two months at the church where the funeral was held.

Tommy, a 7-year-old German Shepherd, used to accompany his owner, Maria Margherita Lochi, to services at Santa Maria Assunta church in San Donaci, Italy, and was allowed to sit at her feet.

After Lochi died, the dog "joined mourners at her funeral service" according to locals and "followed after Maria's coffin" as it was carried into the church.

Tommy, a stray who was adopted by Lochi, has been showing up "when the bell rings out to mark the beginning of services" ever since.

"He's there every time I celebrate Mass and is very well behaved," Father Donato Panna told the paper. "He doesn't make a sound."

None of the other parishoners have complained, Panna said, and villagers give the dog food and water and allow him to sleep nearby.