How do I contact the shelter about David?

Use the phone, email, or website link in the sidebar of this page. Rifugio San Francesco handles screening and the adoption contract directly — TailHarbor doesn't broker the conversation. When you reach out, mention you saw David on TailHarbor so they know which animal you're asking about.

Can I adopt David if I live in another country?

Yes, in most cases. Rescues across Europe routinely place animals abroad — Rifugio San Francesco will tell you what they need (EU pet passport, rabies titer, transport coordination) and whether they handle transport themselves or refer you to a partner. Plan for an extra €100–€350 in transport costs depending on distance.

Is David already vetted, vaccinated, and chipped?

Most dogs on TailHarbor leave their shelter with sterilization, current vaccinations, microchip ID, and an EU pet passport included in the adoption fee. The vet status on this page reflects what the shelter has reported — ask them directly if you need details on specific vaccines, recent bloodwork, or chronic conditions.

What happens if David isn't the right fit?

Every reputable rescue accepts an animal back if the adoption genuinely doesn't work — that's part of the standard contract. Talk it through with Rifugio San Francesco early rather than rehoming privately; they know David and can place them more successfully than a second-hand listing can.

Why does the description sometimes read awkwardly?

TailHarbor translates shelter descriptions into English from the source language (IT). Translation is imperfect — names of streets, donors, and shelter-specific terms occasionally slip through unidiomatically. For the cleanest read, click the source link to see the shelter's original page.

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David

Mixed Breed · Male · Senior · 9 years

Here is our David. Born in 2017. Six years ago, David arrived at our animal shelter with deep scars on its face, testifying to a life spent among the barbed wire of the countryside. It was "abandoned" because it was considered a nuisance, an unwanted presence. Certainly, David doesn't get along with its own kind, but it is incredibly good with people, despite this. We know that its path to adoption is almost impossible, and that, probably, its kennel will be its last home. But David is our "little funny hippopotamus" that just needs a little bit to open up and reveal its sweet nature hidden behind its tough and proud dog's armor. David has taught us that love has no conditions and that every living being, even the most difficult, deserves respect and affection. We strive to make the best possible life for David at the animal shelter: long walks in the grass, wild runs, delicious food, and, above all, countless cuddles. David will never abandon you. David's appeal is an invitation to reflect on all those animals that society considers "inconvenient" or "irrecoverable." Let's not abandon them.

IT·Show original

Ecco il nostro David. Nato nel 2017. Sei anni fa David è arrivato al nostro rifugio con il viso segnato da cicatrici profonde sul viso, testimoni di una vita passata tra i fili spinati delle campagne. È stato "abbandonato" perché considerato un fastidio, una presenza indesiderata. Sicuramente David non va d'accordo con i simili ma è buonissimo con le persone, nonostante questo sappiamo che la sua strada verso l'adozione è quasi impossibile e che, probabilmente, il suo box sarà la sua ultima casa. Ma David è il nostro "piccolo ippopotamo buffo" che gli basta poco per aprirsi in tutta la sua dolcezza che sa nascondere dietro la sua corazza di cane forte e fiero. David ci ha insegnato che l'amore non ha condizioni e che ogni essere vivente, anche il più difficile, merita rispetto ed affetto. Ci sforziamo di rendergli la vita nel rifugio la migliore possibile: lunghe passeggiate nei prati, corse sfrenate, cibo delizioso e, soprattutto, tantissime coccole. David non ti abbandoneremo mai. L'appello di David è un invito a riflettere su tutti quegli animali che la società considera "scomodi" o "irrecuperabili". Non abbandoniamoli.

Size

—

Age

Senior · 9 years

Location

🇮🇹Italy

Shelter

Rifugio San Francesco

Living with David

✓Vaccinated
✓Neutered

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Listed 1 month ago

Bringing David home

What you'll need for David in week one.

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About David

What life with David looks like

David is a senior mixed breed dog waiting at Rifugio San Francesco in Italy.

Senior dogs settle in faster than younger ones. They want a soft bed, predictable meals, and short, sniff-heavy walks rather than runs. Many senior rescues bond deeply within weeks because they understand exactly how good a stable home is. Expect occasional vet visits for joint or dental care.

🇮🇹Adopting from Italy

Italian canili require adopters to sign a stewardship contract (affido) and may retain the right to verify the animal's wellbeing post-adoption. Animals are chipped and sterilized before leaving (Legge 281/91). Public canili rifugio typically waive adoption fees.

Italy, Italy — browse more dogs in Italy.

Frequently asked

Adopting David, answered.

How do I contact the shelter about David?: Use the phone, email, or website link in the sidebar of this page. Rifugio San Francesco handles screening and the adoption contract directly — TailHarbor doesn't broker the conversation. When you reach out, mention you saw David on TailHarbor so they know which animal you're asking about.
Can I adopt David if I live in another country?: Yes, in most cases. Rescues across Europe routinely place animals abroad — Rifugio San Francesco will tell you what they need (EU pet passport, rabies titer, transport coordination) and whether they handle transport themselves or refer you to a partner. Plan for an extra €100–€350 in transport costs depending on distance.
Is David already vetted, vaccinated, and chipped?: Most dogs on TailHarbor leave their shelter with sterilization, current vaccinations, microchip ID, and an EU pet passport included in the adoption fee. The vet status on this page reflects what the shelter has reported — ask them directly if you need details on specific vaccines, recent bloodwork, or chronic conditions.
What happens if David isn't the right fit?: Every reputable rescue accepts an animal back if the adoption genuinely doesn't work — that's part of the standard contract. Talk it through with Rifugio San Francesco early rather than rehoming privately; they know David and can place them more successfully than a second-hand listing can.
Why does the description sometimes read awkwardly?: TailHarbor translates shelter descriptions into English from the source language (IT). Translation is imperfect — names of streets, donors, and shelter-specific terms occasionally slip through unidiomatically. For the cleanest read, click the source link to see the shelter's original page.