This is the hilarious moment a mischievous pet dog was caught lounging comfortably on a Virgin Mary shrine.

Footage captures the two-year-old golden retriever named Toby nestled inside the small cave-like alcove where the religious figure stood in Davao del Sur, the Philippines.

Toby obscured the statue, curling up snugly within the cramped shelter, until he was noticed by his Catholic owner.

The resident said: ‘Climb down now. Please climb down. Why did you go there?'

The obedient pooch promptly emerged and followed her, a devoted churchgoer.

Toby then ran over to a grandmother, who welcomed him with back rubs and cuddles while his owner scolded him.

She added: 'He is well-behaved, clean, and always hungry. He is affectionate but also a bit naughty. Even though he has a wide area to run around, he sometimes climbs up Mama Mary's grotto to sit beside the statue.'

Filipinos are predominantly Catholic due to the Spanish missionaries' influence in the archipelago in the 16th century. They converted the local population to Christianity, particularly Catholicism.