We named him Errikos (Henry) because he reminds us of a nobleman, perhaps a knight, or in any case an important man from another era. His long black ears look as if he is wearing one of those powdered wigs aristocrats once wore, and his coat falls over his body like an expensive velvet overcoat, light and fluid, embracing the one who wears it.
There was a period when he had to wear an Elizabethan collar and the resemblance became almost theatrical. Sitting in his little house, looking at us from a distance, he seemed to gaze ever so slightly down his nose, with a hint of snobbishness, as if convinced he was not born to be among us but destined for high office.
Jokes aside, Errikos is one of those dogs with extraordinary expressiveness. You only have to watch him standing still and you can build entire stories around him. Behind that presence, though, there is a sad past. He lived in the municipal shelter of Tripoli, where he was reduced to a skeleton from starvation. We brought him to our sanctuary, and over time he slowly recovered and finally reached a healthy weight.
He is truly beautiful, very gentle, a little hesitant and fearful. As a hunting dog, it is likely he was never properly socialized. Still, he shows a clear willingness to learn and to explore. When he walks in nature, no matter how unsure he may feel, he does what he knows best: he follows scents, nose to the ground, constantly exploring. It grounds him and helps him build confidence.
In the city he is more cautious and easily frightened, yet cooperative. Even when he is unsure, if you offer him a bit of food and patience, he will respond.
Ideally, Errikos is looking for a person with routine and patience, someone who perhaps lives in a quiet neighborhood with few overwhelming stimuli. It would be wonderful if that person also loves walks in nature as much as Errikos does.
When he goes out into town he is hesitant and fearful, yet cooperative, and as much as he is afraid, if you have food to cajole him he will gladly eat it.
