St. Mary’s Rectory Security is provided by Loki the Manchester Terrier. Loki is a true “Parish Pooch,” having lived in Catholic rectories since he was just eight weeks old. Loki takes his security duties very seriously, so all visitors to St. Mary’s Rectory are asked to please ring the doorbell and then wait until the door is answered.
Birth Date
Loki was born in Pennsylvania on November 20, 2002.
Breed
Loki is a Standard Manchester Terrier, the oldest recognized breed of terrier in the world. Dating back to 16th century England, this breed was originally called the “English Black & Tan Terrier.” They were bred to kill rats, mice, and other vermin, but became most popular in England’s Rat Pits. Due to their strength, intelligence, and agility, English Black & Tan Terriers excelled at such contests.
In the 18th century, however, blood sports were outlawed in England and the English Black & Tan Terrier fell out of popularity. The breed very nearly went extinct, but was revived and refined by a breeder in the city of Manchester. The English Black & Tan Terrier was then renamed the Manchester Terrier in his honor. Today it comes in two varieties, “Toy” and “Standard.” It is considered a rare breed.
People often mistake the Manchester for a small variety of Doberman Pinscher. In fact, the Doberman is a new breed created about a century ago by crossing the Manchester Terrier with three other dog breeds. In other words, the Manchester is not a little Doberman, the Doberman is a big Manchester! Today the Manchester Terrier is kept primarily as a pet and companion, though it maintains its rodent killing instincts. (Loki has even taken down a mouse or two in St. Mary’s Rectory). The breed is often referred to as the “Gentleman’s Terrier,” because it is considered to be the most elegant in appearance of all terriers. Manchester’s are highly intelligent, very affectionate to family, but somewhat aloof toward strangers.
Pedigree
Loki’s great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents were all champion show dogs. His mother’s name is CH Mickalady’s Beulah of Tueri; his sire is CH Mickalady’s BP Surfer of Vitog. Surfer, Loki’s dad, won “Best of Breed” at the 2006 Westminster Dog Show. Our Parish Pooch comes from good stock!
Loki’s Name
Loki’s full AKC registered name is St. Joseph’s Loki of the Light. However he goes by just “Loki”. Loki is a name taken from Norse mythology. Loki was the god of mischief, a trickster, always getting into trouble, but usually getting out of it by his charm, intelligence, and good looks. Our Loki often lives up to his name, usually by stealing food. He has a particularly hard time resisting the temptation of chicken or pizza, and is amazingly creative at getting to these foods when they are left unattended.
Religion
Loki’s favorite religious event is the Blessing of the Animals, held each year at St. Mary’s in October near the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He also loves to greet the people of St. Mary’s outside the church after Mass on Sundays.
Loki’s Favorite Quotes
“If you want to know the true character of a man, observe the way he treats the animals, for just so is he likely to treat his fellow men.” – St. Francis of Assisi
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” – Milan Kundera
Loki’s Favorite Scripture Passages
Genesis 1:20 – 25, The Creation of the Animals. Also, Jonah chapter 3 where both the people and animals of Nineveh fast, wear sackcloth and ashes, and cry out successfully for the mercy of God. Finally, Luke 16:19-31, the only time that Jesus mentions dogs. Whereas the rich man ignores the plight of Lazarus, the dogs take pity on Lazarus and try to help him by licking his wounds.