There are many adoptions of four-legged friends, but not enough in Sassari. "At the municipal dog shelter in the Acchettas area," says Emma Angius, the representative of "Qua la zampa," the association that manages the shelter, "we adopt about a hundred a year. We're the ones who manage the most."
Unfortunately, a significant number are abandoned by their "owners" in crates or even directly in garbage cans, and that's when the association steps in. " In the last month alone, 22 puppies have arrived. This is the biggest problem, along with the lack of sterilizations."
Furthermore, those who would like to adopt reject mixed-breeds, which make up a large portion of the animals: "It's because of trends. Now everyone wants French bulldogs and pugs." The shelter, which borders Osilo, houses 220 dogs, some elderly. "Our agreement has expired, and we received an extension before the next competition. The call for tenders is disrespectful to us, considering that we've been caring for these animals for years and have always taken care of them. We'd be very sorry to give them up."
Even though the association's mission is far from easy. "First of all, the expenses. The municipality gives us €1.90 per dog, and that's not even enough for food." Then comes everything else: from deworming to providing formula to vaccinations. "We also have to consider the lack of an emergency room for the shelter's animals for two years," Angius continues. "If they get sick in the evening, we don't have any active agreement with a clinic. If they do, we have to pay a private clinic in Sassari. And we have to consider that many of the dogs that come to us are sick."
Cost is a major issue. "Keeping a dog is becoming a luxury for everyone. Few can afford it." Qua la zampa's dedication is total and has continued since 1997. "At the time, the municipality gave us land in the Ciclamini Valley, also near Osilo, then they moved us in 2009 to where we are now." Each animal tells a wordless story of a sometimes unhappy past and a present in the shelter where they are cared for and have started living again. "We have a Facebook page that also discusses adoptions," concludes Emma Angius, "I invite you to visit it. You'll find complete transparency in what we do."