Rescue Me Inspired Dog Names

Tommy was a special dog. The 7-year-old German Shepherd attended church with his master, Maria Margherita Lochi every time she went, rain or shine. Maria, who lived in San Donaci, Italy, adopted Tommy when she saw him for several days hanging out in a field by her home. He was skinny and dehydrated, but she fed him and nursed him back to health, and from then on, Tommy never left Maria’s side. Maria took in many stray dogs over the years, but with Tommy, she had a special bond. 

When Maria went to services at Santa Maria Assunta Church every Sunday, Tommy would tag along, and at first, he would sit outside the door. But the pastor decided that because he was such a good dog and since everyone there loved him that Tommy could come in and sit by his owner during the services. In fact, many people in the congregation as well as around the town of San Donaci loved the pooch so much that they would talk to him and treat him like Mariah’s child. 

In November of 2012, Maria passed away, and Tommy was so heartbroken, he followed her coffin into the church and sat at the steps of the altar. The mayor of the town, Domenico Serio, let the animal control workers and other authorities know that Tommy belonged to everyone in the town and they should never try to take him into custody unless he needs help. The pooch was loved by everyone from the butcher to the police, and even the mailman liked him. 

After Maria’s death, Tommy continued to go to the church every time the church bells rang for any reason. Whether it was for mass, a baptism, a wedding, funeral, or whatever the occasion, Tommy would come to the church and go inside, sitting by the altar looking out at the crowd. Many people thought he came because he was looking for his beloved Maria. Others thought he just felt less lonely with all the parishioners. But whatever the reason, he continued to show up, and the churchgoers continued to greet him happily. 

Father Donato Panna, the priest at the Santa Maria Assunta Church, said that none of the congregation ever complained as Tommy was always quiet and never bothered anyone. In fact, Panna even left the doors open sometimes when there were no services in case Tommy wanted to come in and stay warm during the winter. Unfortunately, Tommy died just three months after Maria. The veterinarian claims that he died of a heart attack, but most everyone in town believes it was a broken heart.