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Adopt Dionisio

Mixed Breed · Unknown · Senior · 17 years

Dionisio is an Abruzzese shepherd dog, 17 years old, a dog that carries the strength and wisdom of a life spent in freedom. Until 2021, Dionisio spent his days free among the mountains of Abruzzo, leading an independent and wild life, like many dogs from his land. His capture occurred during the Giro d'Italia, an event that led to the capture of many free dogs from the region. Since then, Dionisio has lived in the animal shelter, where we have offered him security, care, and the respect he deserves. Given his advanced age and natural wariness of people, we know that a traditional adoption for Dionisio is almost impossible. However, this does not mean that we cannot do our best to ensure him a dignified and peaceful life in his silver years. Dionisio is a strong and proud dog, used to freedom, who now finds some peace in our animal shelter, surrounded by the warmth of his pack companions. We propose for Dionisio a distance adoption: a gesture that will allow us to continue taking care of him with everything he needs, from veterinary care to food, to ensuring him a safe environment where he can live peacefully. Every contribution is another step towards offering him the tranquility he deserves. Help us give Dionisio the opportunity to live his final years in peace. Supporting a dog like him means honoring his story and his indomitable spirit. Gift a home and a second chance to a heart full of love that is waiting only for you! Discover the stories of those who have directly experienced our commitment and our passion.

Read original (it)

Dionisio è un pastore abruzzese di 17 anni, un cane che porta con sé la forza e la saggezza di una vita vissuta in libertà. Fino al 2021, Dionisio ha trascorso i suoi giorni libero tra le montagne dell’Abruzzo, conducendo una vita indipendente e selvaggia, come tanti cani della sua terra. La sua cattura avvenne durante il Giro d’Italia, un evento che portò alla cattura di molti cani liberi della regione. Da allora, Dionisio vive nel rifugio, dove gli abbiamo offerto sicurezza, cure e il rispetto che merita. Data la sua età avanzata e la sua naturale diffidenza verso l’uomo, sappiamo che un’adozione tradizionale per Dionisio è quasi impossibile. Tuttavia, questo non significa che non possiamo fare il massimo per garantirgli una vita dignitosa e serena nei suoi anni d’argento. Dionisio è un cane forte e fiero, abituato alla libertà, che ora trova un po’ di pace nel nostro rifugio, circondato dal calore dei suoi compagni di branco. Proponiamo per Dionisio un’adozione a distanza: un gesto che ci permetterà di continuare a prenderci cura di lui con tutto il necessario, dalle cure veterinarie al cibo, fino a garantirgli un ambiente sicuro dove possa vivere serenamente. Ogni contributo è un passo in più per offrirgli la tranquillità che merita. Aiutaci a dare a Dionisio la possibilità di vivere i suoi ultimi anni in serenità. Sostenere un cane come lui significa onorare la sua storia e il suo spirito indomito. Regala una casa e una seconda possibilità a un cuore pieno d’amore che aspetta solo te! Scopri le voci di chi ha sperimentato direttamente il nostro impegno e la nostra passione.

Size
Large
Age
Senior · 17 years
Location
🇮🇹Alba Adriatica TE
Shelter
Associazione Cani Liberi - Rifugio Canalba
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Cared for by Associazione Cani Liberi - Rifugio Canalba · Alba Adriatica TELearn about Mixed Breed

Listed 1 month ago

Bringing Dionisio home

What you'll need for Dionisio in week one.

Hand-picked · prices indicative

  1. 01
    Required by most shelters

    Trixie Transport Box

    Sturdy plastic carrier — what most shelters require for pickup.

    View on Amazon
    €35–45
  2. 02
    Editor's pick

    Folding Wire Crate

    First-week safe space. Shelter dogs settle faster with a crate.

    View on Amazon
    €50–80
  3. 03
    Legal · EU

    Car Seatbelt Tether

    Legally required in most EU countries for transporting dogs.

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    €8–12
  4. 04

    Adaptil Calming Spray

    Dog-specific pheromone diffuser. Worth it for the trip home.

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    €18–25
  5. 05

    Orthopaedic Dog Bed

    Worth the upgrade — rescues often have joint issues from kennels.

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    €30–60
  6. 06
    Safer than a collar

    Padded Y-Front Harness

    Escape-proof for spooky rescues. Safer than a collar in week one.

    View on Amazon
    €20–35

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About Dionisio

What life with Dionisio looks like

Dionisio is a large senior mixed breed dog waiting at Associazione Cani Liberi - Rifugio Canalba in Alba Adriatica TE.

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.

Alba Adriatica TE, Italy browse more dogs in Italy.

Frequently asked

Adopting Dionisio, answered.

How do I contact the shelter about Dionisio?
Use the phone, email, or website link in the sidebar of this page. Associazione Cani Liberi - Rifugio Canalba handles screening and the adoption contract directly — TailHarbor doesn't broker the conversation. When you reach out, mention you saw Dionisio on TailHarbor so they know which animal you're asking about.
Can I adopt Dionisio if I live in another country?
Yes, in most cases. Rescues across Europe routinely place animals abroad — Associazione Cani Liberi - Rifugio Canalba 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 Dionisio 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 Dionisio 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 Associazione Cani Liberi - Rifugio Canalba early rather than rehoming privately; they know Dionisio 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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