Was it love at first sight, when you met Aida?
Well, not quite. My wife and I had decided to get a dog to fill the void that our two grownup children were leaving. It was our first experience, we did not know the differences between the various breeds and therefore we contacted a friend, Enrico, who a few years earlier had initiated the kennel “Legend of Crudy”, just outside Milan. I remember that the first impression we had was not exactly positive. We were in fact surrounded by 7 or 8 flat coated adults who simply wanted to get to know us and be caressed. Not knowing the affectionate nature of this breed we felt a certain unease, partly even fear, due to the presence of two adult males. Enrico explained the behavior of the breed and assured us that no one would bite but that everyone would lick us endlessly. We ended up deciding that in a few months time we would have taken the biggest female of the next litter. So when Aida was born together with 11 other little brothers, we received a call and I remember that Enrico put two girls in my arms. Both were hyperkinetic and wriggling like crazy, but Aida, I remember well, was the one who was looking at me intensely, curiously holding my gaze. It was at that moment that I realized Aida would be ours.

Why is Aida amazing?
Aida is very meek and obedient, but what characterizes her the most is that she is always looking for cuddles and not just from me. Generally when we cross other dogs’ ways, she’s interested not so much in her fellow dogs but their humans, immediately demanding their attention. At the same time she is sensitive enough to understand people who don’t like dogs or are afraid. She’d just ignore them to make them feel at ease.

How would you describe your relationship?
For me Aida is much more than just a dog, she is like a daughter. She is the living being with whom I have spent most of my time in recent years. We are always together, go out at least 4 times a day, we take long walks and I take her with me wherever I go – as long as there is the possibility to bring a dog.

Is she were a person – who would she be?
She would probably be my best friend! We have an empathetic relationship and support each other when we are tired or depressed.

Why do you love her?
I think I love her because that spark that immediately ignited between us at first glance was confirmed and transformed into love following all the activities we did together: I was her conductor in behavioral education courses and, later on, of agility. When we were both younger we went out running for several kilometers and she always remained by my side. I’m the one she always turns to when she is unwell or just needs to do her business. I’m her pack leader, she can’t be without me and I miss something when I don’t see her.

What did she teach you that nobody else would?
Aida shows me that a dog can be a man’s best friend, because it makes you feel its affection without being invasive and follows you without asking where or why.

Is there anything that annoys you about her?
Aida is very affectionate and shows her affection by licking your hand, legs and face. It is a very typical behavior of the flat coated Retriever and Aida is no different. This continuous being licked is not always pleasant, but I gladly accept it knowing that it is his way of saying “I love you dad”.

What are your favourite things to do with her?
Today we enjoy walking together. But until a couple of years ago agility was our favourite thing. When I realized that it was getting too exhausting for her we stopped.

Is your dog part of the family 100 %?
Aida is a member of the family to all intents and purposes and I almost consider her a daughter. She lives in the apartment with us and sleeps in our room. However, we taught her not to get on the sofa and even less get into our bed. I think she’s a little sorry, but for my wife and me it’s much better this way.

Any advice you would like to give to someone who wants to get a dog but can’t decide?
Living with a dog is a wonderful experience and I can only recommend it to everyone.

Pino didn’t wake up when we came in?
Don’t worry, he can’t hear anything, and he cannot see too well either. He’ll wake up eventually and I’ll give him a bite to eat. He’s way over 13 years old, moves very little because of his injuries and arthritis, so basicallly that’s what he does: sleep and eat. Yet, he’s been with me for almost three years now. Keeping me company when I wake up early, have my first cup of coffee and start knitting or working on my unique pieces made out of fabric and all sort of materials. Or when I watch television after a long day: He’ll stretch out right next to me, enjoying nothing but the smell of me being there for him.

How did you find out about Pino?
A volunteer had found him, run over on one of the main streets leading out of my town. Can’t you take care of him, she was asking. You could tell he was suffering, so I said, let’s take him to the vet and see what he says.

He seems to be doing just fine now.
Yes, but it took a while! At first he wouldn’t even let me pet him, poor thing. He just didn’t know what it was like to be loved by someone. But he got very attached to me. So now whenever I have to leave him with someone for a couple of days because I need to travel, he suffers loneliness, wouldn’t touch any food and can’t wait for me to be back. I’m his person, he knows nothing but the smell of me.

You used to have a handful of dogs, you said…
Yes, that was when I lived in the countryside, on a large estate where we went for long walks without ever leaving the property. They were all street dogs and I loved every single one of them! Athos, Yaris, Aygo, Leon and Toy. When I came home from work they used to party all around me! At night we would walk around the house, looking at the stars while I told them about my day. Different times, different measures… I promised myself I would never leave them, whatever happens. Within 2 or 3 years they died one after the other. I buried them around the big olive tree in the garden. This way they could go to sleep together as they used to and be together forever in their happy place. When the last of them had died, I was ready to move forward. I took a picture to always remember everything – and found myself an apartment in town.

I guess Pino made the transition easier for you.
Not that there was no other dog in the meantime! Did I tell you about Ciccia? The dog that came into my shop one day and decided to never leave again? She came every single day for about ten years! And she was extremely smart, knew exactly when she would find me etc. She usually arrived by 4.30 pm,
a couple of minutes before me. I opened the door and she would follow me behind the cash desk, where she remained all afternoon, listening and watching. During pandemic I took her home with me, my dogs had gone and she kept me company for a year.

Now it’s Pino who’s taking care of you…
Yes, we do enjoy each others company. I’ve got a lot of friends, a busy lifestyle etc. But there’s nothing like coming back home and having someone waiting for you. Yet, I promised myself that after Pino I wouldn’t take any more dogs. A least for a little while. But then again, don’t they say life happens while you make other plans?

PS: Wanna check out some of Francesca’s unique and 100 percent handmade pieces? Here’s her Instagram account: @viv’arte_