Pepa found YOU instead of the other way round, it that true?
Yes, she did. It happened in Milan, Pepa was part of a litter of a founding friend of the Dr. Jack & Mr. Russell Association. She was meant to go to a family in Brescia, who had some kind of problems and couldn’t adopt any more. Destiny wanted me to pass by. When I went there to take a look, she was the only one of the litter that was missing. They were looking for her everywhere, eventually we found her fast asleep – in my handbag..

How do you get on with each other?
Pepa is very intelligent, she listens and understands perfectly well. Can you believe that she actually follows human conversations and watches television? Between her and me there’s a continuous silent dialogue going on. It may sound absurd but when I ask her something she would answer with her eyes pointing at things for example. It wasn’t always easy to teach her good manners but I was very strict when she was a puppy. This allows us now to be together anywhere, any time. Pepa may be like a daughter one day, or more of a mother another day. And, most of all, my friend. I keep telling myself: Don’t forget that Pepa is a dog. That said, she is part of the family. A partner for life.

Who would she be if not a dog?
A dentist! Just kidding, but as soon as she sees a dog that she really likes, she cleans his teeth. Seriously? She would be a professional diver.

What is it that you love about her most?
She makes me feel that I belong, that I’m with someone. She makes me laugh and she follows me everywhere. She can be cuddly one moment and the next minute very independent. Remembering the pandemic for example: During the second lockdown you could tell she was fed up with me! Whenever I tried to join her, she went into another room. Furthermore, she is good with everyone. Unless she gets attacked and needs to defend herself – so fierceful that you might think she’s a Great Dane!

Anything she taught You You wouldn’t want to miss out on?
She taught me patience and silence, to slow down from all the stress and enjoy the simple things in life. Contact with nature, for example. But, first of all, unconditional love.

Something funny you’d like to share?
When I’m in a hurry during walkies and she pretends to not understand and slows down on purpose! Annoying, but also sweet. Really funny is when we’re watching a thriller and she would growl at the bad guy.

And where does she sleep?
Well, don’t tell anyone but she actually sleeps under the duvet with her head on the pillow! She certainly has a couple of dogbeds, too, and sometimes, very rarely, she decides to take a nap in one of those.

You 2 seem one of a kind for how close you are.
Callipoe is my Alter Ego. If I were a dog I’d be exactly like her. Funny, because I actually never really wanted a dog, I always thought it could be too complicated with my everyday duties, the yoga classes etc. But there she was, sitting in my garden. She seemed abandoned, definitely lost, poor thing.
No one could touch her or even get close, for days! Until she decided to stay with ME and become my GURU. No kidding! She’s so patient, sweet and wise –
I learn from her every day. Being more compassionate for instance, or trusting my own intuition more. Her second name is Shanty dog, the dog of peace and hugs. We love each other inconditionally.

What do you love about her most?
That she is always true to me. And that she stays by my side, even in moments of great confusion or sadness. Calliope’s there. For me.

During your yoga classes – what does she do?
She seems to enjoy the atmosphere, the special moment, the people. And if I only let her she would jump into everybody’s arms! For me her pure presence is a relief. I feel stronger when she is around. Can you believe it? A real Shanty dog! After yoga class we just hang out on the sofa, in each others arms. Relax. Or better: She lies my arms, like a daughter. What a cute litte thing.

Sounds like a dog in your life is the recipe for happiness?
Well, sometimes, like in our story, the right dog shows up in the right moment. You can’t but love him and be with him, always. But never forget: A dog will be like your shadow and will depend on you, like a baby, forever. It takes a lot of love to support that.

Curious to find out more about the two of them? Check out Anna’s Yoga studio: https://www.yogasuryamarga.com or follow them on their Instagram account @anna_jodie_yoga