It seems there is no end to strange news in 2020. The latest eye-catching story is of Pistachio, a puppy born with green fur.
Pistachio, named for his unique colouring, was born on October 9 in Sardinia, Italy as one of five in a litter. Mom Spelacchia shocked owner and Italian farmer Cristian Mallocci when one of her pups came out tinged green, while the others were all born with white fur like their mother, reports Reuters.
Pistachio may have gotten this colouring after coming into contact with biliverdin, a green pigment in the womb, according to the BBC. This is a very rare occurrence.
An Italian farmer could not believe his eyes when one of his eight dogs gave birth to a green-furred puppy. The tiny dog named Pistachio was part of a five-dog litter born on Oct. 9, all with white fur, the same color as their mixed breed mum – except him https://t.co/ZGZxIRxRxS pic.twitter.com/93vFX8mTFk
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 22, 2020
This unique hue is not expected to last, however. Pistachio’s colouring has already begun to fade and will continue to do so.
Mallocci has decided to give away all the other puppies to be adopted but will keep Pistachio, who will be tasked with helping him herd sheep on his farm.
Mallocci told Reuters that green is symbolic of hope and luck, something we all need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Picture: Unsplash