Feb 22 • 11:43 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

The owner of the dog that ran onto the Olympic arena recounted how it all happened: 'We panicked'

A Lithuanian family's dog unexpectedly escaped their home and made a spectacle by running onto the Olympic biathlon venue during a live broadcast.

On Wednesday, the Varesco family attended the biathlon events at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, leaving their two-year-old Czechoslovakian wolfdog, Nazgul, locked safely at home in the town of Tesero. Unbeknownst to them, Nazgul grew bored and managed to escape from their home, creating a sensational scene when he dashed onto the venue, much to the surprise of millions watching live. Initially, viewers mistook Nazgul for a wolf due to the striking resemblance of his breed to wild canines. However, once they recognized that he was, in fact, a friendly dog, they were relieved. Personnel at the venue quickly ensured the dog's safety and escorted him out of the arena. The unexpected event captured the hearts of spectators, turning into a lighthearted incident amidst the competitive atmosphere of the Olympics. The Varesco family learned about Nazgul's adventure by chance while traveling by train to Antholz for the biathlon. The incident has sparked conversations about pet care during major events, highlighting the challenges of leaving pets unattended and the lengths they will go to seek attention and freedom. This amusing episode showcases the unpredictable nature of both pets and live sports events, leaving both the family and the audience with a story to remember.

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