A One of a Kind Neapolitan Mastiff

Unico after surgery

On a day when people tend to cover more bad news then good news; bad economy, the war, crime, corrupt politicians. We are no different many times in the Neapolitan Mastiff community. Early death of a dog, bad judging, bad breeder, politics getting in the way, the list goes on. However today comes a story of a truly unique dog, a one of a kind dog, whom just happens to be named

Unico

of Patrizio De Vitalle. »See his story here»
You see, not too long ago in the first days of spring 2008. Unico suffered a truly devastating injury, one that can be compared to an athlete’s career ending injury. Unico had suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament, and it was not known if he would ever recover not least be lame for the rest of his life. However the fight for Unico, started the second his injury took place, with his devoted owner Katriina miraculously getting the 72 Kilos Unico out of the deep woods to find help and to get him home.
The news was devastating to Katriina that day, but there was hope, and soon a successful surgery fallowed by days, weeks, months of little to no sleep making sure Unico would not re-injure his fragile knee during post surgery care. The endless nights with no sleep soon were replaced by long trips to Helsinki, and long hours of rehabilitation stretches and exercise.
Perhaps that “one of a kind” Neapolitan Mastiff, also has a “one of a kind” master in Katriina, because today we are glad to hear the “good news” that Unico has won BOB, Helsinki Winner 2008 and has qualified for 2009 Crufts. Brava Katriina Hagg, Patrizio De Vitale breeder of Unico, is no longer with us but he would be proud of his unique

Unico

Unico of Patrizio de Vitale BOB December 2008 with owner Katriina Hagg.

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One Response to “A One of a Kind Neapolitan Mastiff”

1. Kim Slater says:

   December 23, 2008 at 2:58 pm

   This is for certain one of the most inspirational stories of 2008 and gives hope for many owners who encounter this kind of serious injury, that there is with care and dedication, a light at the end of the tunnel. I commend Katriina for being brave to share hers and Unicos story and am delighted at the happy ending!