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Friday, January 18, 2013

Dog's Loyalty Transcends Owner's Death

Grieving dog, Tommy, at Santa Maria Assunta church in San Donaci, Italy

We've become familiar with this scenario: Dog's owner dies and dog refuses to leave graveside or train station, or in the case of a Navy Seal, his canine military partner lies steadfast beside his coffin. But we think this story brings a new level of sweetness and loyalty to the human-dog bond.

A German shepherd named Tommy has attended mass in the Catholic church in San Donaci, Italy, every day since his owner's funeral service was held there in late December of last year. According to  Father Donato Panna, the dog always accompanied his owner to church services, and when she died, "the dog joined mourners at her funeral service...and followed after Maria's coffin as it was carried into the church."

Now, Tommy quietly arrives each time the church bells ring announcing mass, and sits by the side of the alter throughout each service. The villagers provide Tommy with food and water and a place to sleep nearby. As one animal behavior expert quoted for the article says, " We have had a close, cognitive, emotional and working relationship with dogs for tens of thousands of years, and we both have been changed by that history." Beautiful...


But would I do that for Parental Unit? Is this the face of canine loyalty? You decide!



3 comments:

The Daily Pip said...

What a lovely story and tribute to the loyalty of dogs to their loved ones. I hope Tommy finds a new home and love to share his life with.

Bocci said...

We do too! In the photo, Tommy looks so sad...

Unknown said...

I adopted a beautiful kitty. The staff was really helpful. I didn't even have to pay a fee. This is a no kill animal shelter. . I recommend this place all the time to anyone interested in adopting highly recommended!!!!http://www.humanesocietysanduskycounty.org/.

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