Dante – From a Shadow Dog to a Quiet Companion 🐾
Dante is a wire-haired Podenco – a typical hunting dog: active, loves to climb, alert, and with a keen sense of his surroundings. One who was truly made for freedom.
However, his story begins quite differently. It is said that Dante was tied to a chain on a property for about 14 years. We don’t know if that number is accurate. But what we do know is that when he came to me, he carried the marks of a life full of deprivation. Animal welfare activists rescued him and, together with other dogs, looked for a place for him. Dante immediately reminded me of my Emil – and so he was able to move in with us.
Initially, Dante was extremely shy. Touching him? Barely possible. Closeness? Unimaginable. Even treats from hand, he still takes hesitantly. At the same time, there was this irrepressible urge to go up, to gain an overview, to find freedom:
He jumped onto walls, onto the roofs of dog kennels, onto the most impossible places – always searching for safety or perhaps an escape.
Shortly after his arrival, a tumor in his mouth had to be operated on. Afterwards, he was neutered, chipped, and vaccinated – and slowly, very slowly, he began to settle down. Today, Dante is a completely different dog. Not loud, not intrusive – but present. He now comes to me voluntarily, allows closeness at his own pace, and – which is one of the greatest gifts for me – he stays. He runs free and comes back.
We can only estimate his age. The vet places him somewhere between 15 and 17 years old. A senior, no question – but one who can finally enjoy his life now. And he does. Dante loves the sun. He loves to just lie there, observe, and doze. Senior life suits him well. For a long time, he wanted to be exclusively outside – just like Bärli. But since last winter, that has also changed:
Dante now likes to come inside the house. And more importantly – he wants to be where I am. If I’m inside, he’s inside. If I’m outside, he lies outside. Very quietly, very naturally – just being there.
For Dante, we are looking for a ‘paw friend’ to accompany this quiet, special dog. A dog who doesn’t ask for much – but deserves everything. 🐾 Dante isn’t a dog for the big stage. He is one for the quiet moments.
