Parishioners from St. Catherine’s Church in Middleburgh are raising money to help the dog of Father Tom Holmes who was severely injured in a car accident near the church on the weekend of January 24.
Dante, a small black Scottish Terrier was hit by a car being driven by a woman who was turning her car into Stewart’s next to church, according to church member. The woman cut her turn too short and ran over Dante.
Luckily, Father Tom was there shoveling the sidewalk for the church. The woman got out of the car and said to Father Tom that she thought she hit something, the parishioner said. He told her that she hit the dog and then she proceeded to get back in her car and drove off.
Dante has had extensive surgery and is still in need of more as well as therapy, the parishioner said. He has had damage to his lungs as well as to the pelvic area.
The parishioner said Dante has put a smile on the faces of many people and has also starred in the stage version of The Wizard of Oz at the high school auditorium.
The veterinary bills are expected to be about $5,000 so the parishioner said that Father Tom not only needs our prayers but some help in paying the bills.
Anyone interested in making a contribution can mail it to: Dante and Father Thomas Holmes, c/o St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 111 Wells Avenue, PO Box 311, Middleburgh, NY, 12122-0311.