Sounds quite busy at your place at the moment…
“It is! But we’re getting used to it. When my son Federico arrived I had to make a decision: Who can remain in our private space, close to the crib? My husband and I decided it would be Otis, the Corgy. He’s a bit older than Federico, so they can grow up together. 

When we go out we usually make a distinction. We definitely can’t always take them all. But Otis comes along each and every time. Otis recognizes him now, he’s 4 ½ months old. He starts to cuddle him, pull his little ears, play. And Otis is mad about him! Licks his tiny little hands and feet and would kiss him all over if we only let him. 

Initially we were a bit worried about how the dogs would take a human newby in the house. They might have started fighting  for our attention etc. Nothing of the kind happened.  Of course they were super excited when I brought him home from the hospital. They hadn’t seen me for a couple of days… To our little son they have been super gentle from the beginning. One thing that keeps disturbing them is when we start singing little songs for Federico. They’re used to the house as a quiet space. But in general they’re calm and kind which is important for the peace in our home.  

This is just the beginning, I guess I’ll be able to tell you more in a couple of months… Life remains interesting, that’s for sure!”

How did you and your Golden Retrievers meet?
Hunter was a gift from my late husband. After an operation I could no longer have children and he brought him to me as it was a puppy, saying that Hunter could become our “little one”. He has been for 13 years while unfortunatley my husband is gone.

How has your life changed with them?
My husband used to travel a lot for business and Hunter stayed by my side. Eventually my daughter came back home from University so there were three of us in the house, plus three cats that Hunter got along very well with. The younger cat is convinced that Hunter is her mother, he protects her from the other cats, they often sleep in one bed etc. Then, two years ago, Dante arrived.

What is your favourite thing to do with them?
Stroll. Especially early in the morning, when I leave the house for the first time and let them loose, each with his lease in his mouth. A lot of people stop to have a chat and all three of us are very sociable! When the weather permits I take them to the sea: As true Retrievers they adore swimming! Even Hunter with his now 13 years still likes to get his paws wet and young Dante never gets tired.

If you could go back would you take them again?
Both of them, for sure! Hunter has always been a good dog, never caused any problems. He may have dug a few holes in our garden close to Martina Franca where we used to live in a Trullo. Or he ate fruit from under the trees like figs or kakis and was sick for hours… Dante on the other hand was pure terror as a little one! He ate everything in the garden, including my favourite roses, and broke I don’t know how many vases. Luckily growing older he’s getting calmer too. I like to call him the gossip boy of Santa Croce , because he is always there, on two legs, watching the world pass by from the third floor. When he sees something interesting he calls me barking as if to say: “Look who’s passing by down there, let’s say Hi!”

Anything you would like to tell people who don’t have dogs?
From my point of view, dogs are the best company in the world. They’re always in a good mood and never criticize you. My advice to those who don’t understand the meaning of life: Get a dog, it will make your life meaningful and happy every single day.

This article was previously published in Amazing Puglia Magazine.