Tommy was a loyal German Shepherd dog and a seven year old. The dog was owned by Maria Margherita Lochi, 57 years, and has been a loyal friend of the woman after Tommy was adopted. Mary found Tommy abandoned in fields near his home.
Maria adopted several stray animals he found but his friends say, she built a very close relationship with Tommy. He used to walk every day from his home to the church with the dog.
Pastor at the church allow Tommy sat patiently at the feet of his master in the church. After the death of Mary in San Donaci near Brindisi, a special mass for the dead was held and Tommy joined the mourners. Since then Tommy attended church regularly and arrive on time when the bell rang to mark the Mass begins.
Father Donato Panna, as quoted in the Mail Online, Wednesday (16/1), said, "The dog was there every time I celebrate Mass and always well behaved. Dogs are not noisy. I did not hear the dog barking once all are in the (church). dogs that used to come to Mass with Mary and the dog was obviously devoted to him.
I allowed him to stay in the (church) because the dog was always very well behaved and no other people were complaining to me. dogs were still coming Mass. even after the funeral of Mary, the dog is waiting patiently on the side of the altar and just sit there. I can not bear to throw him out. I just lost my own dog so I left it there to finish Mass and then I pointed it out. "
"Now Tommy has been adopted by everyone in the village and the dog became everyone's friend. Everyone notices the dog and give him food, although it would be nice for him if it finds a proper home."The story of Tommy similar to the 2009 Hollywood movie called Hachi, starring Richard Gere. The film tells how a loyal Akita type dog waiting patiently for his master who was dead until the dog was also later died.
The film is based on the true story of a Japanese Akita dog called Hachiko, whose owner died in 1925. However, during the next nine years Hachiko waited patiently for his master's at the train station where they normally train on a regular basis. (as)