Daniela and Elisa, the Mother-Daughter Duo Adopting Dogs No One Else Wants: "Old and Sick? They’re the Most Beautiful Ones"
Enya narrowly survived the devastating wildfires that ravaged Oristano, Sardinia, in the summer of 2021. Amid flames that destroyed thousands of acres of woodland, forced 1,500 people from their homes, and took the lives of countless animals, Enya—then seven years old—was rescued alongside nine other dogs and three kittens by volunteers from the LAV Emergency Unit. After initial care and healing from her burns, Enya was transferred from Sardinia to Rome. Three years later, while all the other rescued animals had found homes, Enya remained unadopted, timid and withdrawn. But her life finally took a turn when she found a loving family in Inveruno, near Milan.
A Family with a Big Heart for Animals
Elisa Gennaro, a 20-year-old sales assistant, and her mother, Daniela, welcomed Enya into their home, already shared with three other dogs. "For us, Enya was heaven-sent; she completed our family. Her story defies stereotypes. People usually think older, fearful dogs can't change, but they can—it's about patience. We're incredibly happy to have her," Elisa explains. Both Elisa and Daniela volunteer at the "Vita da Cani" shelter in Magnago con Bienate, walking and caring for abandoned dogs.
Choosing the "Invisible" Dogs
"We've always wanted to adopt an older dog, both to support the shelter and because we believe the 'invisible' dogs—the elderly, sick ones no one seems to want—are actually the most beautiful," Elisa continues. "When I first saw Enya, so scared even by my presence, she deeply touched my heart."
Enya joined their family in January, meeting her new canine siblings: Ego, a 6-year-old mixed-breed Labrador, blind and previously overlooked due to his color; Lisa, a sweet 10-year-old white dog who spent nine years in a shelter; and Toto, a 13-year-old French Bulldog. "Enya was initially trained as a hunting dog, but her previous owner returned her to the shelter when she proved unsuited to hunting," Elisa recalls.
Enya’s Progress and Growing Bonds
How is Enya getting along with her new companions? "She immediately bonded with Lisa; they're inseparable. She's comfortable around the others too and very affectionate towards us. She still fears sudden movements—raising an arm makes her think she'll be hit—but she's made incredible progress at her own pace," Elisa shares.
Elisa emphasizes she's not judging those who choose breeders: "We bought our first dog. But after experiencing shelter life, we chose adoption. Helping an animal regain serenity after suffering is a victory for us, though it requires patience."
Adoption: A Lifelong Commitment
"Adopting an animal is a profound responsibility," explains Manuela Anello from the LAV adoption team. "It challenges your habits and worldview. Choosing to share your life with a dog or cat is an act of immense depth. Adoption offers another living being the chance at a new life after having been betrayed by humans. Visiting shelters and making this choice shows readiness to perform a responsible act of love—it's truly a choice for life."
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