The PYR Who Got Away

by Vincenzo the Mastinari
(Virginia)

Back in the mid-eighties, I stopped by a shelter in Ft. Myers, Florida. I already had a couple of good dogs (mixed Boxer Lab cross and a purebred Boxer) but, always on the look out for a good dog.

Well, there in a small wet, but clean kennel stood the most magnificent male Pyr I had ever seen up to that point.
He was built like an athletic American Bulldog with a white shag coat on....he had a large head, more round therefore resembled a good bulldog type and had alert but soft eyes.

He was a purebred Pyr for sure but must have been busy running prior to this and therefore in what seemed to be excellent shape but, as they say looks can be deceiving. The 'ol boy had a bad case of heart worms common down south.

So, they told me he was being treated and to call back in 2-3 weeks. I couldn't forget those eyes and his complete stature, he was a "King of Beasts" in that kennel and stood out in every way!

Well, now the best but worst part of my story:
He was cured and strong enough at only 2 or 3 years old to come through the treatment with flying colors~but, the young man who was caring for him through the entire process quite naturally admired this dogs courage, and stoic nature as much as I.
Thus, the title for my short but unforgettable story of the PYR who got away.

It has been a long time since viewing that magnificent dog in a small kennel but, never to this day can I forget his presence, his eyes that spoke to me and how I almost had my first PYR.