Guard dogs protect and guide dogs serve; but a golden retriever in Altadena has become the symbol of the family-friendly community of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.

Technically owned by pastor Father Edwin Duyshart, 13-year-old Buddy is a familiar site for parishioners, staff and visitors. According to parish director Casey Jurecki, Buddy "makes himself comfortable wherever he is. He is constantly wandering around rooms, joining meetings and even attending services."

When Buddy was 8 months old, he moved into Our Lady of the Valley Church in Canoga Park with then-pastor Father John Murray and Father Duyshart. There too, Buddy spent his days in the parish center visiting people, sitting in on staff meetings and walking through the school with Father Duyshart.

In 1998, Buddy moved with Father Duyshart to St. Elizabeth where he is well-loved by the parishioners. The young people of the parish enjoy seeing their furry friend after school or before Mass and many parishioners have remarked that just seeing Buddy, they are more relaxed and welcomed. "Buddy is warm and endearing and gives us a sense of family," says Jurecki. "He's the family dog for our parish."