A farmer named O'Rourke lived alone in the
countryside with a pet dog which he loved and
doted on. After many long years of
companionship, the dog finally died so
O'Rourke went to the parish priest:
"Father, my dear old dog is dead. Could you be
saying a mass for the poor creature?"

Father Michael replied, "I am so very sorry to
hear about your dog's death. But, unfortunately
we cannot have services for an animal in the
church. However, there's a new denomination
down the road, no telling what they believe, but
maybe they'll do something for the animal."

O'Rourke said, "I'll go right now. Do you think
$500 is enough to donate for the service?"

Father Michael jumped up: "Now, now...
why didn't you tell me the dog was Catholic?"