Wednesday, May 18, 2011

(C)Ave Canem Project (Pompeii Adopt a Dog Program)

On a recent trip to Italy we decided to go to Pompeii. We had never been, and it is really truly an impressive sight.  Pompeii is a dog friendly place, and there were several people there with their dogs on leash. It seems as if the Jack Russell Terrier is the popular dog in Italy these days (everyone had one). But I also noticed several stray dogs hanging out at the ruins as well. They seemed to spend their day sunning themselves and befriending tourists. They were all very friendly, well fed, and some had collars. We wondered about all of these random dogs. Who did they belong to? Why were they all here? Who took care of them?

As we made our way back towards the large forum, there was a large commotion, and out of nowhere over a dozen dogs came running towards us. I then noticed in the distance a sign that said (C)Ave Canem Project and it all made sense. The (C)Ave Canem Project is named after the famous mosaic found in the House of the Tragic Poet, and means "Beware of the Dog". The project provides care and vaccinates and spays/neuters the Pompeii dogs. They hope that visitors to Pompeii will take home a piece of the ancient site with them, a loving dog, and provide them with a safe and caring home. I absolutely adore this program! The title photo, at the top of the page, is one I took of a Pompeii dog available for adoption. All the dogs have ancient Roman names, and if you adopt one at the beginning of your Pompeii visit, he may make a pretty good tour guide too!

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