Dimi (passed away)

 

Update 6.7.2025:

Dimi. If hearts could actually break, mine would have shattered completely over him.

Well, Dimi wasn’t exactly a love-at-first-sight kind of dog. With his short legs, long back, and massive body, he always looked a bit… funny. Add to that his charming little hobby: sneaking up behind people and nipping them on the leg.

A head-on attack was never his thing; stealth mode was more Dimi’s style. So we often found ourselves walking backwards through the shelter just to keep a better eye on him—or gradually picking up the pace, hoping he’d fall behind. Not that it was ever particularly hard—Dimi wasn’t exactly built for speed with those stubby legs.

It all sounds kind of funny—so why does his story feel so heavy to me?

Dimi was already there when I first came to the shelter as a volunteer in 2019. And he’d been there for many years before that. No one knew his real backstory. He was one of the Backside dogs and, like many of his buddies, was shy. Maybe he’d snatch a treat out of your hand, but that was the most you could expect.

He wasn’t alone in that: Baron, Shep, Igor, Aida… none of them were the type to throw themselves into your arms. But what ultimately sets Dimi apart from all of them is that he’s the only one who never made it out of the shelter.

I honestly believe that anyone who truly got to know Dimi couldn’t help but love him. But who ever really did?

Dimi had a reputation: “Careful, he bites.” That was usually the first thing anyone heard about him. And so this short-legged guy with the powerful jaw stayed invisible—and misunderstood.

In the end, all he had was us—the staff. But time’s never on our side.

You rarely saw Dimi form close bonds with other dogs, either. He definitely had his moments, his few buddies, but most of the time, he played the role of the resident grump. That was just Dimi.

When we ran out of options, because everyone he knew had left, that’s when cheerful Butternut entered the scene. At first, we didn’t think it would be a lasting match—but then, all of a sudden, there was a different Dimi. A funny guy, completely obsessed with his new girlfriend.

Wherever Butternut went, Dimi followed—like lightning, or at least as fast as he could manage.

They snuggled up together in the same dog house, and Butternut accepted him just as he was.

Since she liked people, Dimi was sort of pulled along for the ride—whether he liked it or not. It was pretty hilarious watching him try to “protect” Butternut from everyone else—while she was simply minding her own business and being herself—the happy, carefree girl Dimi needed so much.

It was Butternut who made us realize something was wrong with him, because she kept licking his ears. A vet visit revealed he had a nasty middle ear infection. That meant antibiotics and ear cleanings twice a day—which was quite a challenge with a dog who’d snap the second he felt cornered.

After many failed attempts, we finally found a method that worked for both us and him.

We thought he’d now associate human touch even more with pain and unpleasantness, but surprisingly, it felt like we were actually getting closer to him—even if just in tiny steps.

Then the day came when Butternut left the shelter. We were over the moon for her—she had been born in the shelter and had waited over two years for her chance.

But at the same time, I dreaded that day—because I knew what it would mean for Dimi.

And it did.

His whole demeanor changed.

He retreated.

He grieved.

He never formed another deep bond. And as much as I had hoped otherwise—I can’t say I was truly surprised.

Around the same time, his ear infection came back—and this time, it would stay with him until the end.

The pain, the meds, the rounds of corticosteroids and antibiotics—they wore him down.

He lost weight, grew weaker, his back legs would give out, and his face became sunken. He looked tired.

Before I left Crete, I spent as much time with him as I could.

I sat with him.

Watched him.

Slipped him treats.

I told him I was sorry—that I hadn’t been able to do more for him over the years.

I apologized to him for the time I said to Fonzie, back when he was a puppy, “Please don’t grow up to look like Dimi.” (Luckily, he took it with good humor.)

And… I told him goodbye—because part of me knew I might not be able to see him again.

Some are just… different.

People.

Dogs.

The ones who don’t quite fit the mold.

And leave a bigger hole when they go.

Dimi was definitely one of them

Update 9.7.2024:

Dimi. Dimi is special. He has been at the shelter for such a long time. He needs a special owner. One who is ok with dogs which need space. Maybe someone with a big garden; someone who does not need to show off with his dog to his friends. An expereinced owner. Still we hope that there is the right person out there for Dimi.

Update 17.1.2023:

Dimi is a charming little chap, a short-legged ‘yard dog’ – almost like a corgi.

Dimi is a one-of-a-kind dog that requires a dedicated and understanding owner. He values his independence and personal space, making him well-suited for a home with a secured garden where he can have room to roam and play.

As Dimi does not do well on a leash and may bite if he feels threatened, it is important to note that he is not suitable for households with children.

However, by investing time and patience into building a bond with Dimi, an owner will gain a loyal and loving companion who will bring joy and companionship to their life.

 

Gender: Male

Birthday: October 2013

Breed: Teckle mix

Castrated: No

Color: Beige and White

Size: Small

Description: He gets along fine with the dogs in his pen & he is used to putting up with puppies, too. He doesn’t like to feel ‘cornered’, he likes to keep some space around him. We believe that he’ll do just fine in an understanding home where he is given time & space to get used to it.

https://www.facebook.com/100022925682752/posts/709975503109966/

 

 

Our little Dimi is one of the animals who has spent the longest time at the shelter. He is not very social and has trust issues but we are not sure how that would go in a one on one environment like in a home. We have seen animals with the same character do a 180 degree turn and become confident and social.

 

 

Dimi is for people with this understanding and patience.

Rescue Dimi.