Saturday

Two months after his owner died, a dog in Italy keeps turning up each day at the church she used to attend.

Ciccio, a 12-year-old German shepherd, waits in vain in front of the altar of the Santa Maria Assunta church in the village of San Donaci in the southern region of Puglia.

He heads to the church as soon as the bells begin to ring each afternoon, just as he did for years when his owner was alive.

The woman, who was known in local dialect as "Maria tu lu campu" - "Maria of the fields" – died suddenly in November.

Ciccio attended the funeral, following his mistress's coffin as it was carried into the church.


The dog's devotion has so impressed villagers that they have adopted him as their own, giving him food and water and letting him sleep in a covered area outside the church.

The local priest, Donato Panna, allows him to sit in front of the altar during Masses, baptisms and other services.


He is now hoping to find a new home for the faithful hound.

His behaviour is reminiscent of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who became famous in Edinburgh for spending years guarding the grave of his owner.
SOURCE

VIDEO

Responses to "Dog turns up to dead owner's church every day (Photos - Video)"

  1. Waiting for the resurrection! They have faith ..and dumb loyalty.

  2. Unknown says:

    Amazing loyalty !!!

  3. Unknown says:

    Amazing loyalty !!!

  4. Anonymous says:

    What a nice story. Good dog. :)

    reporter; thanx for that cat comment. I will give my 2 cats a hug and kiss tonight. ;D

    best wishes from Iceland

  5. Anonymous says:

    Que Dieu lui vienne en aide,pour retrouver une ame charitable,afin de terminer sa vie de loyal compagnion!! best wishes from Belgium!

  6. Anonymous says:

    Like the story of Hatchi, the Japanese Akita, who went faithfully to the train station every day for 10 yrs. to wait for his master/friend who died suddenly.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Dogs are great, it's humans that lack loyalty.

  8. Renee says:

    Awww! Please hug that baby for me! I wish I could!

  9. Anonymous says:

    beautiful and heart touching beyond words.
    animals are so precious.
    the love and loyalty they give is priceless and should be treasured

  10. A beautiful connection between woman and her dog. I wonder though...Are we all mixed up that we extend affection to one species and not another. All living beings are worthy of our respect and compassion. THink about this when you purchase meat products and help ensure that sustainable and humane farming methods are used.

  11. pilvikki says:

    joani... what...??

    oh, n/m.

    what a wonderful dog!


  12. Anonymous says:

    I sure hope this old boy finds a forever home ASAP.... a place where he can spend his last years in warmth, love, affection and proper care.... good luck to him and as for the villagers, it is really nice that you guys feed him and let him sleep in a covered place at the church, but imagine how LONELY and lost he is feeling, step up and give him a forever home.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Such grief for this old dog, the entire church congregation should make him feel loved.

  14. Unknown says:

    God's Dog now!

  15. GOD Bless the doggy and the church and the people always!! <3 <3 <3 <3

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