World-famous mosaic dog of Pompeii restored to former glory

(ANSA) - Rome, July 20 - He is one of the world's most famous dogs, the snarling, black-and-white mosaic canine and protector of the Pompeii archaeological site.
    Indeed, with his black hair, curled form, and bared teeth, the ancient canine has stood ready for almost 2,000 years to discourage intruders from setting foot in the Domus of the Tragic Poet, supported by the infamous inscription 'Cave Canem' or 'Beware of the Dog'.
    Now, this universal symbol of the city that was buried under the lava of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD has been restored and returned to the public eye in the archaeological remains of Pompeii.
    Years of rain, mud, dirt and neglect were gradually cleaned away to bring him back to public viewing just in time for the dog days at the end of July.
    The work on the canine is just one in a series of measures aimed at restoring and protecting Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for future generations, said Culture Minister Dario Franceschini.
    In a post on his Twitter feed, he wrote: "Offered to the public the splendid new staging of Cave Canem". "(At) #Pompei, every day a proud step forward," wrote the minister.