Results: Fido, the Devoted Dog (Part 2 of 2)
Published on 06/15/2023
In part 1 we learned that brick kiln worker Carlo Soriani found a stray dog on a ledge under a bridge on the way home from work in Italy, treated his injuries, and adopted him. Named Fido for his faithfulness, the loyal dog followed Carlo everywhere until 1943 when Carlo was killed during an aerial bombardment while at work.
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
Every day Fido made the same trip he had made in the past, from home to the bus stop, hoping to greet his master returning from his shift at work. For 14 years (over 5000 times) he went to the bus stop and waited for the friend he would never see again. Do you find that remarkable?
Yes
67%
1478 votes
I guess
13%
282 votes
No
6%
133 votes
N/A
14%
307 votes
2.
2.
The story of Fido's unwavering devotion to his dead master spread internationally, and was even covered by "Time" magazine in 1957. The Mayor of Borgo San Lorenzo (Fido's hometown near Florence) honored Fido with a gold medal. A ceramic statue erected in 1957 was destroyed by vandals. Later, a bronze statue by Salvatore Cipolla entitled, "Monument to the Dog Fido", was placed in Piazza Dante. Here's a photo of Fido (with Carlo's widow) admiring his likeness. Have you ever seen a life-size statue of a dog in person?
Yes
16%
356 votes
Maybe
17%
378 votes
No
52%
1135 votes
N/A
14%
305 votes
I'm vision-impaired.
1%
26 votes
3.
3.
When Fido died in June 1958, the national newspaper "La Nazione" honored him with a 4-column cover story. "La Domenica del Corriere" commemorated him with a poignant story and a cover painting by Walter Molino (pictured) that showed Fido dying on the roadside, with a bus in the background. Are you surprised that Fido's story got so much attention?
Yes
23%
501 votes
I couldn't say.
17%
377 votes
No
45%
990 votes
N/A
15%
332 votes
4.
4.
Fido was buried outside the Luco di Mugello cemetery, laid to rest adjacent to the perimeter wall, beside Carlo Soriani, the master he loved. How do you feel about Fido's story? Please choose all options that apply.
I am touched that Carlo's kindness inspired so much devotion from Fido.
45%
991 votes
I feel sad for the poor dog, being disappointed day after day in his quest to be reunited with his master at the bus stop.
40%
869 votes
I don't think it's a big deal.
3%
75 votes
The story doesn't elicit emotion from me.
2%
51 votes
I think it's emotionally manipulative and annoying.
2%
38 votes
N/A
17%
378 votes
It's heartbreaking.
32%
702 votes
Dogs are too good for us.
36%
784 votes
5.
5.
In 2014, teacher Gabriella Di Marco suggested making repair of Fido's tomb a project for her class of first grade students. The plaque (shown here) was restored by a pupil's father. Do you think this was a good idea for a class project? Please select all options that apply.
Yes, it familiarized the students with the value of loyalty.
44%
964 votes
Yes, it helped inspire an interest in history.
33%
723 votes
Yes, it helped connect the students to their community.
30%
667 votes
Yes, the kids were probably captivated by Fido's story.
36%
789 votes
I don't know.
10%
223 votes
No, other projects would have had greater value.
2%
48 votes
No, first graders working on a grave project is macabre.
2%
40 votes
No, the importance of the dog and his story are overblown.
1%
28 votes
No
2%
50 votes
N/A
19%
408 votes
COMMENTS