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Tigre, the power of vitality.
Stefano Girelli, owner of Santa Tresa, shares the story of Tigre.
"It was a hot October day when I landed in Catania for one of my usual visits to the Santa Tresa winery. Leaving the airport, the journey to Vittoria felt almost like a ritual, a return to the roots of our land and our wines.
As I arrived at the entrance to the estate, I noticed something unexpected. Hiding among the rubbish bins was a small puppy, trembling and frightened. Its terrified gaze struck me straight to the heart. I couldn’t just ignore it, so I asked the staff if they knew anything about him. They told me he had been hiding there for a few days, likely out of fear and hunger.
It was harvest season, a time of intense and demanding work. But throughout the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about that little puppy. I kept asking myself: "Is he still there? Is he alright?"
Tigre's firt day at Santa Tresa
At the end of the day, I couldn’t resist. I went back to look for him, hoping he was still there. And he was, in the same corner, even more fragile than before. As I approached, I saw just how weak he was: malnourished, thirsty, and visibly scared. I spoke softly to him, saying, "Come on." And incredibly, despite his fear and exhaustion, the little one followed me.
I gave him some water and food. I’ll never forget how eagerly he devoured everything I placed in front of him, as if it was his first real meal in days. Watching him, I felt deeply moved. It was clear to me that I couldn’t leave him behind. “You’re such a tiger!” I said to him, impressed by the strength that seemed to shine through despite his frail state. And from that moment, his name became Tigre.
But his journey to recovery was far from over. The next morning, I returned to Trentino, but only after making sure Tigre was taken to the vet and given all the care he needed. The vet confirmed he was a puppy of less than three months, abandoned and in a critical condition. Yet, there was a vitality in him that gave me hope.
Tigre and Stefano Girelli at Santa Tresa
A few months later, Tigre had fully recovered. By then, I couldn’t wait to bring him home with me. So, once I knew he was ready, I returned to Sicily to collect him. The journey to Trento was long, almost 24 hours by car. But Tigre surprised me: he was incredibly calm and serene, as if he somehow knew he was finally on his way to his new home. At one point, he looked at me with an expression that seemed to say: "At last, I’m going home."
Tigre and its passion for snow
Today, Tigre runs happily in the fields at my home here in Trento. He has become part of the family, loved and cared for every single day. Watching him now fills my heart with joy: he’s finally at peace. Finally, he’s home.
Tigre and Stefano Girelli during one of their mountain trips
