MURTOI'S UNICO

Two years ago, we bought a Pyrenean Mastiff from Murtoi's Kennel, his name was Unico. What was at the time a hairy ball, now has become a wonderful giant overflowing with happiness and love for our family. He has turned out to be a rather demanding animal to be kept, because he needs space, food and particular attentions for his lasting growth, but above all quite a lot of time to spend with him. In fact he seems to be living only for his family and so he deserves to live WITH his family. For my son he has been a wonderful mate, and also a terribile accomplices in their pranks, as if there was a particolar feeling of their own and that we couldn't understand. For me, instead, he is a faithful friend in my excursions in the mountains, even at high altitude. As time passes by and Unico grows up, he turns out also to be a reliable mate on a rope, so safe and untiring while climbing glaciers, but shy and clumsy when coming when his big and strong nails, real natural crampons, do not hold. Moreover, one of his hidden qualities has come out, and it is very precious for me, he perceives the breaking off of avalanches in advance. Last spring we were engaged in an excursion on the Orobie Alps, covered with snow. Unico, as usual, was walking in front of us and was opening the way when suddenly he stopped and, while pricking his ears and hair, he gave out a deep growl and didn't allow us to pass in front of him. After less than half a minute from the rock in front of us a huge avalanche broke off. I still don't know how he could perceive it, but this episode has improved still more our love for him, and now my wife is more confident (and perhaps a little jealous, too) when I go for a trip in the mountains with my son and Unico. I have really found the ideal friend for the whole family. .

CRIPPA MAURIZIO