We interviewed Diego Dacremawho lives with his partner and his faithful four-legged friend in the province of Pavia, in a house in the countryside nestled in the hills.
This is the story of a dog, a half-breed wolfish shepherd who, taken as a child in a kennel in Oltrepo Pavese, has been climbing mountains and exploring remote places for more than 5 years: from the 4000 meters of the peaks of Monte Rosa, to the Dolomites, passing through the Ligurian mountains and last but not least the Apennines.
The adoption of Billo
Billo was adopted from the Rocca De’ Giorgi (Pavia) kennel in 2017. He had 3 months and was part of a litter of 9 siblings.
“When I entered the kennel, I thought: ‘He must choose me’!” Diego exclaimed.
All 9 puppies were in an enclosure, and Billo pushed from the door and acted crazy to approach Diego.
Diego immediately understands that that puppy is the right dog for him. He takes him up for adoption, and only at home does he realize who Billo was born without a tail.
But that detail is insignificant in his eyes, the feeling of having found a partner for life is far more important.
They have never separated since!
How is life with Billo? What does it represent for you?
«Billo comes to work with me in the woods, he accompanies us to hotels and restaurants knowing how to behave well as well as in the mountains and on ski mountaineering trips», says Diego.
And he adds:
«Billo is a precious companion in life and in adventures».
What was the best experience with Billo?
«There have been many wonderful experiences shared with Billo. For example, in October a few years ago, we were on top of a mountain, surrounded by snow and fog. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Billo helped me find my way, he didn’t abandon me, he was like a guide ».
Billo’s nose and sense of direction were therefore useful in many situations. Even at home, when Diego is sick, he follows him and stays close to him very loyal to his master.
What unites you?
«Mine / ours is pure passion for nature, the mountains and also the history linked to these places where humility and awareness of where you are are needed first of all, things that seem to disappear in recent years».
What character does Billo have?
«Billo is an exceptional dog: he is overprotective, therefore territorial and suspicious of those he does not know; with children he is kind and very patient; moreover he is polite, sociable but also stubborn like a wolf! He knows how to herd the cows like a real shepherd dog.’
And keeps going:
«We have a symbiotic, telepathic relationship, we understand each other even just with a look. You need to trust the dog and you need to be patient: in this way a relationship of mutual trust, respect and love is established».
Were there any difficult moments with your dog?
«Not that I remember, even in terms of general health Billo is fine, he’s a strong and rustic dog!».
What does adopting a dog from a shelter mean to you? And why do you recommend doing it?
“There are many dogs that need to be helped, just as there are numerous associations and shelters in difficulty full of unfortunate animals: the latter are dogs like the others, they are not second-class or discarded!”.
And he adds:
“At the kennel there are many needy dogs that are no less worth than the purebred ones found in farms”.
What message would you like to leave to our readers?
“I would like to make people aware of the kennel adoptions and dispel the fact that a certain type of genetically predisposed dog (such as Billo for example) and suitable for certain places, even if it does not come from specialized super farms, can face these environments in safety and having fun, things that many do not conceive».
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