11/15/2022
wolf was one year old when Kate adopted him. Being a Maremma, he’s not your typical suburban pet dog. Kate was Wolf’s fifth home. When his placement didn’t work out, the rescue organisation rang Kate. She jumped in the car, just to meet him and have a look. But it was love at first sight. Later that day, she came home with Wolf in the car.
Wolf was Kate’s first rescue. She had experience with large breed dogs before, but wasn’t planning to get one, let alone a Maremma. ‘Wolf was challenging. He’s gorgeous and a massive living ball of fluff and fun, but he’s also hard work. You need acres of patience, tons of respect, lots of energy, and a strong will to train and work with Maremmas successfully.’
Four years on, with the help from a behaviourist, Wolf is an amazing cuddle bug and protector. He’s patient with babies and old people, affectionate and loving, and he cares for younger, weaker and more vulnerable animals. He has worked alongside Kate and her daughter in rescuing kittens, and he’s phenomenally patient and gentle with them.
Wolf is also a ‘counsellor’ at Kate’s school, assisting with reaching out to kids who need support. He will go into a room, walk silently around, and then settle down next to the child who needs help. Sometimes they need a big Maremma hug, other times they need to talk. In more than one case he has alerted Kate to save the life of a kid who was suicidal