Olivia, a dog who escaped from a shelter in Ortona, Italy, embarked on a remarkable journey to return to her birthplace, a quarry 50 kilometers away. Animal behaviorist Paola Stollavagli tracked Olivia for six days, covering 1400 kilometers, witnessing the dog's strong desire for freedom and independence. Olivia, part of a pack living in the quarry, was captured for sterilization but escaped, unwilling to stay in an unfamiliar environment.
Stollavagli emphasized that Olivia's behavior wasn't phobic but a clear expression of her preference to live independently from humans. Despite facing dangers on busy roads, Olivia resisted attempts to lure her with food, demonstrating her determination.
The successful search involved collaboration between volunteers, veterinarians, and concerned citizens. They coordinated efforts to monitor Olivia's movements and ensure her safety, ultimately using remote tranquilization to halt her journey without forcing human interaction.
The mayor has pledged to return Olivia and another male dog from her pack to their home in the quarry. Olivia's story highlights the importance of respecting the natural behavior of feral dogs and allowing them to live freely, challenging the assumption that all dogs desire human companionship.