Sam, Parish Dog (deceased)
Sam was born in May of 1995 to Harley (German Shepherd-Labrador Retriever mix) and Max (Golden Retriever-Labrador Retriever mix) and joined Fr. Furlan at St. Leo the Great parish shortly thereafter. He accompanied Fr. Furlan to St. Germaine in 2002. He died of what was presumed to be a neurological crisis in December of 2005. Although not officially a member of the parish staff (and barred from staff meetings), he served St. Germaine by keeping the squirrels at bay on the parish grounds and around the neighborhood, by maintaining the Franciscan tradition of begging, and by serving as the object of affection for everyone from children to senior citizens. As a watchdog his duties involved playing with intruders until the police arrive. He was well liked and will be missed.