by croatiaweek
July 27, 2025
in
Pago (Photo credit: Katica Mustapić)
A small Dalmatian dog named Pago, who lives on Croatia’s island of Pag, is about to celebrate his third birthday – but he’s already achieved more than most dogs do in a lifetime.
When his owner first welcomed him into her life, she was struck by how few Dalmatians there were in Croatia, despite the breed’s origins being so closely tied to the region.
That realisation sparked a heartfelt mission: to make Dalmatians more visible, recognised, and loved in their homeland.
Pago, with his unmistakable charm and charisma, is now a proud ambassador for his breed – and he’s turning heads wherever he goes.
Pago (Photo credit: Katica Mustapić)
A Pup with a Portfolio
In just under three years, Pago has built an impressive list of achievements:
He appeared in a music video alongside Croatian singer Jure Brkljača
He featured in fashion campaigns
He became the face of Opel Mokka, smiling proudly from jumbo billboards
And most recently, he inspired a children’s picture book
(Photo: lucky_m_e/Instagram)
But Pago’s journey didn’t start on paper. It began on stage.
The story of Pago first came to life in December 2024, during a dance performance held on Pag – a time when the island needed a touch of magic.
(Photo credit: Katica Mustapić)
The production brought fantasy characters to life through movement and music, rekindling a sense of warmth and togetherness among the audience.
Inspired by that performance, the team brought the characters into a new form – a picture book – using AI and ChatGPT to help illustrate and shape the magical world they had created on stage.
Behind the project is a team of creatives who brought the vision to life: Kristina Alaburić, the author and choreographer behind the original performance; Laura Benić, whose illustrations gave the story its visual soul; and Nika Čemeljić, who helped translate the heartfelt idea into words on paper.
The result? A book where every page carries the scent and soul of the island island shaped by stone, sun and wind.
“This isn’t just a children’s story. It’s a love letter to Pag, to childhood, to creativity – and to Pago, the Dalmatian who started it all. It’s a story woven with heart, honouring the island’s spirit while celebrating the bond between a dog and its people,” says Alaburić.
The book will be available online shortly and at souvenir shops in Pag and Šimuni.
