AN elderly man lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a pet dog for company. One day the dog died, and he went to the parish priest and asked if he would say a mass for his poor departed pet. The priest replied: "I'm afraid not; we cannot have services for an animal in the church. But there are some Baptists down the lane."

"I'll go right away Father," the man replied. "Do ya think $5000 is enough to donate to them for the service?"

"Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why didn't ya tell me the dog was Catholic?" the priest exclaimed.