Hajja Salesjana

• On the one occasion when Don Bosco was nearly murdered in the dog's absence, Grigio sprang out of nowhere to put the thugs to flight. • This attack and guard dog, ferocious when his master's life was at risk, was gentle otherwise, especially with the children at the oratory, allowing his ears and tail to be tugged without flinching or growling, and not even frightening the little ones, being for them sweet as a cuddly toy. • Moved by the animal's loyalty, and convinced that they were dealing with a stray dog in search of a home (and all the hungrier for being so huge), Don Bosco and his family offered him something to eat. But Grigio never accepted any food, not even treats that no dog could resist. The fact is that Grigio never ate... • For a year, Grigio stayed close to Don Bosco, like a four-legged guardian angel, until the danger disappeared. Then he too disappeared, as if he knew he was no longer needed by his master. Don Bosco thought he may be dead, but ten years later, when he was lost in the building sites of a new district of Turin, weak and almost blind, Grigio returned and took him to the place where he was supposed to go, then vanished once again. The same adventure happened again in identical circumstances in 1883. • It didn't take long to work out that, for 32 years, this dog had always turned up at just the right moment to get Don Bosco out of trouble. Grigio's incredible longevity must be recognised, as he was approaching forty - an impossible age for a dog, especially a stray - and he clearly never seemed to grow old. In truth, Grigio was no ordinary animal. Thank you to all those benefactors of Hajja Salesjana who sent donations these past few weeks to support our magazine. Your contribution is much appreciated. God bless your kindness! - 21 Jannar-Marzu 2025 hajja