A family dog in Italy died after bravely fighting off a wolf that attempted to attack a two-year-old boy. Destiny, a seven-year-old crossbreed, has been hailed a hero by her owners for defending the child from the predator that entered the garden of their home in Tuscany.
The dog, believed to be a Swiss shepherd-Labrador mix weighing around 22kg, leapt in front of the boy as the wolf ran across the lawn. She fought fiercely but was savaged by the wolf and dragged into the woods.
Barbecue turns to nightmare
Mum Paula, 40, and dad Tommaso, 39, were preparing a barbecue at their home in Orbicciano, a wooded hamlet near Camaiore, when the incident occurred on Saturday evening. Paula was in the kitchen and Tommaso worked the grill nearby, while their little boy played with Destiny in the unfenced garden.
The wolf, believed to be a male weighing 60-70kg, immediately targeted the small child. Destiny, usually timid, positioned herself between the boy and the beast and barked at the predator.
Family's tribute
Tommaso told reporters: “She saved me and my son. She was always a scaredy-cat who barked at strangers, but in that moment she was fearless.” Paula recalled hearing yelps and rushing out to see the wolf with Destiny clamped in its jaws by the throat. She said through tears: “It carried her off like she was a rabbit.”
The couple chased the animal into the undergrowth, suffering cuts and bruises. Tommaso reached a stream and found Destiny’s body, but it was already dark and the wolf was still nearby. Fearing another attack, the couple and a neighbour retreated. The body had vanished by morning – only her head, a paw and tail remained when they returned at first light.
The family had moved into their dream home just months earlier. They rescued Destiny as a puppy seven years ago after she was abandoned in a sack. Paula said: "If it hadn't been for Destiny, I don't know what would have happened to our boy – or the other children nearby."
Local police carried out checks after a series of recent wolf sightings close to homes in the area. An environmental group has warned of the growing threat from around 1,000 wolves in Tuscany and called for action to protect rural communities.
