They say dogs, by some magical process, are given the names which suit them best. Dona could not be anything other than the prima donna. She has everything going for her, fabulous looks, intelligence, character.
Dona was born in February 2013 in Jelsa. Her mother Simba is a beautiful golden retriever, so it is not surprising that Dona and her siblings were all born beautiful. Homes were found for most of the puppies. One, Lord, was destined to stay in the family and, true to his name, become the Top Dog in Jelsa, the canine king who watches over his compatriots, polices the streets and keeps order.
With the tourist season approaching, which meant that there was no room for extra dogs, Dona was the last one in need of a home. Via the internet, a potential owner from northern Croatia responded to the plea. But when he refused to provide his full name and address, suspicions were aroused. Dona was born into a loving family which cares for its pets. Delivering her to a street corner in an unknown town to an unkown person was out of the question. So she stayed, but urgently needed to be moved.
By June 2013, the situation was getting desperate. So, Eco Hvar came to the rescue, offering a temporary home, in the hope that a good permanent situation would not be far away.
She was terrified as she approached her new territory, and for some time sat in a corner eyeing her new companions with fear. After about half an hour, she perked up and accept water, then food. Life was not so bad after all. It did not take her long to establish her position as a strong contender for pack leader, in a gentle, feminine kind of way.
She was happy to make friends with all around her. Harley was her Big Friend.
Rocky was her Little Friend.
Young newcomers were made welcome, provided they knew their place!
Dona loved her outdoor life, but was always adaptable, and settled in well when she was kept in the house for a while.
From the start, Dona was treated with love, and has never known anything else. And she has always responded with love. So it was no surprise that when Mariana and Toni came visiting, looking to give a dog a good home, mutual love arose at first sight.
Mariana and Toni, true dog lovers, would have liked to take more of the dogs, especially Bobi, but their rational limit was one.
True love at first sight:
So, on April 13th 2016, Dona took her leave of her friends, and set off with enthusiasm for her new life.
As she went off to her new home, her former companions were sad to see her leave. It was a day of new experiences for her, particularly her first journey on the ferry. But she coped bravely and settled in well. A happy outcome for all concerned!
© Vivian Grisogono 2016
Follow-up: Dona visits Jelsa frequently, and is in the best of form, clearly much loved and well cared for. Bravo Mariana and Toni!