Loyal dog attends church of his deceased owner every day

By Martha

A loyal dog attends the church where he and his deceased owner attended for years

A German Shepherd Dog who was adopted by a woman as a stray, has been attending the church they visited together every day since she died. The loyal dog named Ciccio was rescued by 57-year-old Maria Margherita Lochi after she found him abandoned in a field near her home in San Donaci near Brindisi, Italy.

The 7-year-old dog was her faithful companion. Locals said that Maria spent her life adopting stray animals but she was particularly close to Ciccio who would walk with her to church every day. The priest allowed Ciccio to sit and wait by Maria's feet during service.

So when she died two months ago, Ciccio joined mourners at her funeral service. He followed after Maria's coffin as it was carried into the Santa Maria Assunta church. Since then he appears at the same church, arriving when the bell rings out to mark the beginning of services, as he did for years with Maria.

A loyal dog attends the church where he and his deceased owner attended for years

According to the Daily Mail, Father Donato Panna said: ''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."

a loyal dog attends mass at the church of his deceased owner

"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."

Villagers have been moved by the dog's devotion and give him food and water and let him sleep in the covered area outside of the church. Father Panna said, "Everyone looks out for him and leaves food for him - although it would be nice to find a proper home for him." He is hoping to find a new home for the loyal dog.

A loyal dog attends the church where he and his deceased owner attended for years

Photos via Facebook

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Comments on this Article

We console ourselves by saying "I love God and He knows I am good in my heart." But we dont do deeds which matches His love. Simple gestures towards animals should be preached in that church.we can be forgiven for a single act which may seem small in our eyes or punished for an act that seems equally small.

This is so touching. I got teary-eyed. Father, I think you should take Ciccio in. You've recently lost your own companion and Ciccio obviously loves to go to church. If you find him another home, what are the chances that you will see him back at mass again? Unless one of your parishoners takes him in and continues to bring him along. Also, why are people calling him "Tommy"? The dog's name is Ciccio. This confused me.

or should i say "A match made FROM Heaven!"

ummmmm.........so whats the problem Father? I don't think you could get a better display of a well manner, devoted, caring, not to mention EXTREMELY loyal dog. Your a match made in HEAVEN :)!!

I am confused. Why in the world ouldnt someone take this dear fellow home? I dont see whyte church members dont take him. How could anyone not? Get up from praying and do something truly blessed and make this dog loved again.

so sad for ciccio.... but i hope the Priest would adopt him, you know... Ciccio deserves to be loved once again...

C'mon, Padre...this is kismet. Let the dog live with you or make him a good strong home on church property.

Someone, please hug the dog and adopt him!!!

What a sweet/sad story! In that last photo, Tommy looks so sad. It's like he's waiting for Maria to come back to get him. I think Father Panna should take Tommy home, too! A match made in Heaven.... so to speak! :o)

Father Danato Panna you just recently lost your dog right? Why couldnt you take Tommy into your house. He loves the church,i think he will always be there. Gog bless you

May God put it on someones heart to adopt this beautiful boy. im in Austin,tx otherwise, I would open my home for this beautiful boy named Tommy. italy, open your heart to this boy!!!

padre - adopt the flipping dog, will you? what, god has to reach down and bitch-slap you before you get the hint!?

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