A once-abandoned Italian hunting dog has found an extraordinary new life in Gloucestershire, becoming an unlikely celebrity both in the UK and Italy. Achilles, a nine-year-old pedigree spinone, has been adopted as an unofficial mascot for a Royal Navy submarine and celebrated in Italian media, all after being rescued from a difficult past.
From Tuscan Shelter to Naval Mascot
Achilles was adopted last year by retired couple Rachael and David Hyde from Hucclecote, near Gloucester, via the UK-based charity Spinone Overseas For Adoption (Sofa). The dog had been found in a distressed and undernourished state after years of work and subsequent abandonment, spending a year and a half in a Tuscan rescue shelter.
"When we got him he was quite skinny," said Mrs Hyde. "He had been abandoned in a pretty bad way. But we knew we could give him a warm, comfortable safe home for the rest of his life." The Hydes had lost their previous spinone just months earlier and were able to offer Achilles a loving home where he has since thrived and gained weight.
A Name That Forged a Unique Bond
The dog's path to fame began when the Hydes read about the commissioning of a submarine named HMS Achilles. They decided to contact Navy commanders about their pet, sharing his name and story. To their astonishment, they received a formal letter in reply, which appointed Achilles as the vessel's unofficial mascot.
The honour came with a bandana, official Navy merchandise, and a dedicated water bowl. "It was a lovely letter and Achilles wears his bandana with pride," Mrs Hyde remarked. The story, showcasing his gentle nature, shaggy brown hair, and deep brown eyes, then captured the attention of the Italian press, leading to features on television and in Vanity Fair, where he became a poster boy for the spinone breed.
A Looming Threat to Future Rescues
Achilles's heartwarming tale underscores a serious issue affecting thousands of dogs in Italy. Hunting dogs like him, whose tails are typically docked, are frequently abandoned every year when they are deemed no longer useful for work.
The charity Sofa is now warning that a new UK Bill, which bans the import of dogs with docked tails, could prevent future adoptions of rescue pets like Achilles. They are urging the public to contact their MPs to push for an exemption to the legislation for animals rehomed by registered charities. This potential change in law threatens to cut off a vital lifeline for many dogs seeking a second chance in British homes.
