Estonians erect statue and give home to beloved stray dog

A woman walks with her dogs past the statue of the stray dog Zorik, warming up a kitten, is placed in front of a shopping center in Tallinn, Estonia, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. The statue is meant as a tribute both to Zorik and his animal companions, and to all strays. Zorik once had a dog companion who was killed in a car accident. He then took up with stray cats and was seen with them often, even while sleeping. (AP Photo/Raul Mee)

The residents of Tallinn have paid tribute to a much-loved stray dog who was taken from the Estonian capital to the countryside earlier this year to live out his days in a family’s back yard – by immortalising him with a statue.

Zorik was never the tail-wagging or hand-licking type, but that did not stop the free-spirited vagabond from winning many hearts.