Dog, lost at sea, swims 1.5 miles to church to reunite with owner 

 (Photo: Wikimedia)

A dog who was on a sunken houseboat swam over a mile to get back to his owner last week. 

Steve Alioto lost everything when his home sank during a Sausilito, California storm, but burst into tears of joy when he discovered his dog was found. 

Alioto had his houseboat anchored in the ocean because he could not afford a dock. After severe weather last week, the boat went under. 

"All I saw was the mast sticking out of the water," Alioto told KPIX5.

He thought his pet, whom he renamed Daisy from Babe, had gone down with the vessel. Instead, the dog escaped and swam 1.5 miles to shore.

Daisy made her way to Sausalito Presbyterian Church, where she and her owner had gone to get free meals on occasion. That Friday, Alioto happened to be there, and Reverend Paul Mowry reunited the pair. 

"Paul came up to me and said, 'Is your dog's name Babe?'" Alioto recounted. "I said it was. He said, 'On the chip for her, is that still her name?' I said yeah.  He goes, 'She's alive.' And I cried so hard," Alioto said. 

Although Alioto and Daisy are currently homeless, they are overjoyed to have each other again. 

"I'm big daddy Kibbles and Bits," he said. "I'm the guy who provides the dog food, the walks, the baths, and everything that she tells me she needs."

The pair are currently living on a friend's boat. 

News
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes

The Chin have been badly treated throughout much of Myanmar's post-independence history.

Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'
Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'

Sir Brian Souter, the founder of Stagecoach and Megabus, has spoken candidly about the role of Christian faith in business and his view that Britain’s increasingly secular culture may be giving rise to a renewed and more authentic form of Christianity.

Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK
Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK

Faith identity and ideology "are assuming a more significant role in shaping political allegiance, civic participation, and the wider culture", a new report has found.

'Quiet revival' continues as Winchester sees Christmas surge
'Quiet revival' continues as Winchester sees Christmas surge

In some cases the numbers coming were double what was expected.