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Ecco D'Oro, a Spinone Italiano, is popular with his family and has more than 4,700 fans on Facebook. (Sangjib Min/Newport News Daily Press) |
He has more than 4,700 Facebook fans and it's easy to understand why.
His messages of compassion, encouragement and thoughtfulness inspire all ages. Often, he writes about the need to help someone in distress physically or emotionally.
Other times, he's funny, wearing a silly-looking birthday hat as he celebrates yet another milestone.
He is Ecco D'Oro, a rare breed spinone Italiano, also known as the "nawty dawg with the big heart."
Born in Pennsylvania July 14, 2009, and now a member of the Hines family in Smithfield, Va., Ecco is a champion dog show winner, as well as a canine philanthropist. In fact, philanthropy is first on the list of his many pastimes -- "chasing birds, winning dog shows, casual speed dating, modeling, stand-up comedy, sand and surf, social networking, fetching, gardening, destruction, car rides and family," according to his bow-wow biography.
For sure, there's nothing boring about this dog's life.
At home, he's got it made, thanks to the adoration of his family, Amy, her husband, Tommy, and kids Ryan, 8, and Trey, 13. When he's not at dog shows or fund-raising events, he's lounging in his favorite spot -- on top of the oversized cocktail table in the Hines' living room. With his chin resting on the table and his big amber eyes looking up at you, Ecco relaxes with a deep sigh. At 94 pounds, he dominates the space. There's no room whatsoever for Roso, the year-old Spinone Italiano that casually walks by while visitors laugh at the two having a stare down. Realizing Ecco is there to stay, Roso turns and leaves the room.
"That's Ecco's favorite place," says Amy.
"He's spoiled and defiant. There are Ecco rules and there are other rules for other dogs."
Ecco's real name is CH Sweetbriar's Ecco D'Oro JH, which means "The Golden One" in Italian, according to Hines.
Whether Ecco's persona is really his or a submerged, private personality in Hines remains to be seen. The answer isn't really important because the two seem inseparable. Hines loves to share Ecco's stories and adventures, whether they are naughty or nice.
"Ecco grew into an incredible show dog, as well as an accomplished hunter," she says.
"He excelled at everything that was asked of him. As he matured, his 'over-achiever' persona carried on to the naughtier aspects of his personality."
This highly intelligent, arbitrary "doggie anarchist" does just as he likes, she contends. He cocks his leg on the veterinarian's desk or another show dog's head. Or, he pees on a sign that reads "no pets on the athletic fields."
"He is an advocate for animal rights," says Hines, laughing.
"His persona stems from his thought process and actions. Honestly, if he could talk, I really think my words would be fairly accurate. I have said many times, if you aren't prepared to hear or see what Ecco's 'answers' are, please don't ask him a question.
"I once watched his vet ask him if he was ready to go back to get a cyst removed. He looked her dead in her eyes and cocked his leg on the reception desk."
Although all this makes you think Ecco is "bad to the bone," he's got a heart larger than life, she says.
"He is very philanthropic, making multiple donations a month through his Naughty Dawg Big Heart charitable fund. If cash is tight, Ecco helps his friends by facilitating a "bark out" to other donors in his pack who might be able to lend a paw.
His messages of compassion, encouragement and thoughtfulness inspire all ages. Often, he writes about the need to help someone in distress physically or emotionally.
Other times, he's funny, wearing a silly-looking birthday hat as he celebrates yet another milestone.
He is Ecco D'Oro, a rare breed spinone Italiano, also known as the "nawty dawg with the big heart."
Born in Pennsylvania July 14, 2009, and now a member of the Hines family in Smithfield, Va., Ecco is a champion dog show winner, as well as a canine philanthropist. In fact, philanthropy is first on the list of his many pastimes -- "chasing birds, winning dog shows, casual speed dating, modeling, stand-up comedy, sand and surf, social networking, fetching, gardening, destruction, car rides and family," according to his bow-wow biography.
For sure, there's nothing boring about this dog's life.
At home, he's got it made, thanks to the adoration of his family, Amy, her husband, Tommy, and kids Ryan, 8, and Trey, 13. When he's not at dog shows or fund-raising events, he's lounging in his favorite spot -- on top of the oversized cocktail table in the Hines' living room. With his chin resting on the table and his big amber eyes looking up at you, Ecco relaxes with a deep sigh. At 94 pounds, he dominates the space. There's no room whatsoever for Roso, the year-old Spinone Italiano that casually walks by while visitors laugh at the two having a stare down. Realizing Ecco is there to stay, Roso turns and leaves the room.
"That's Ecco's favorite place," says Amy.
"He's spoiled and defiant. There are Ecco rules and there are other rules for other dogs."
Ecco's real name is CH Sweetbriar's Ecco D'Oro JH, which means "The Golden One" in Italian, according to Hines.
Whether Ecco's persona is really his or a submerged, private personality in Hines remains to be seen. The answer isn't really important because the two seem inseparable. Hines loves to share Ecco's stories and adventures, whether they are naughty or nice.
"Ecco grew into an incredible show dog, as well as an accomplished hunter," she says.
"He excelled at everything that was asked of him. As he matured, his 'over-achiever' persona carried on to the naughtier aspects of his personality."
This highly intelligent, arbitrary "doggie anarchist" does just as he likes, she contends. He cocks his leg on the veterinarian's desk or another show dog's head. Or, he pees on a sign that reads "no pets on the athletic fields."
"He is an advocate for animal rights," says Hines, laughing.
"His persona stems from his thought process and actions. Honestly, if he could talk, I really think my words would be fairly accurate. I have said many times, if you aren't prepared to hear or see what Ecco's 'answers' are, please don't ask him a question.
"I once watched his vet ask him if he was ready to go back to get a cyst removed. He looked her dead in her eyes and cocked his leg on the reception desk."
Although all this makes you think Ecco is "bad to the bone," he's got a heart larger than life, she says.
"He is very philanthropic, making multiple donations a month through his Naughty Dawg Big Heart charitable fund. If cash is tight, Ecco helps his friends by facilitating a "bark out" to other donors in his pack who might be able to lend a paw.
