Would you like to present yourself briefly? 
Sure, I’m Giada Carraro, originally from Milan but living in Puglia most of the time. I used to import furniture from Indonesia and India, then I dedicated myself to both professional and amateur videos. And I love the sea!

Who are your dogs?
My dogs are called Stormy (her) and Stone (him). She’s the wild tramp, he’s the distinguished gentleman. They are both four, brother and sister, mixed breeds from Puglia, puppies of my neighbor’s dogs Croodz and Khaleesi (cover pic). Why I took them in? Well, Stormy actually reminded me a lot of my labrador Kumba. When I had to let her go after a long and fulfilling life, I swore I’d never take another dog (and actually switched to cats for a couple of years). Then destiny decided for me: There were 11 puppies looking for a home so I changed my mind and got not only one but two of them. The best decision in my life, they are my furry children! 

What is so special about your dogs?
I think that every dog ​​is extraordinary in its own way. Mine are very sweet, even if their size sometimes scares people off.  They are also quite wild, especially the female, but they’re always gentle and kind with everyone. The male (who is ectually extra large!) funnily thinks of himself being a Jack Russel or similar, he’d try to sit in my arms, jump on my legs etc.

You travel a lot between Milan and Puglia. How does that affect your daily routine with the dogs?
Well, we’re always together! During the winter they come to Milan with me, and for the  summer we drive down to Puglia, always full of joy all three of us. Because other than a big city in Puglia they can finally be free and I myself find my peace of the heart.

Who would they be if not dogs?
Stormy would definitely be a fancy sports car and Stone? He would be a model, no doubt. He’s a bit of a poser.

How do you communicate?
With all the senses! They read my mood from how I enter the house. When Stormy sees me crying, she jumps on me to cheer me up, or gives me her paw and barks at me as if to tell me, don’t worry you’ll be fine. And she always sleeps with at least one of her feet attached to me. Stone is the gentleman in the family. He’d look at me so understanding and wise and full of love that I melt away whatever happens. What also amazes me is his endless patience with the wilder sister.

Do they sleep in your bed?
Certainly. It is a bit of a struggle I have to admit, with the two of them being quite big.  But it is also pure joy for all of us! I’d never want to change anything about it.

Any dog advice you’d like to share?
Take a dog out of love, follow your instincts. If you can’t quite decide, let it go, it may not be the right moment.

Where did you meet?
I met Pepito at Brindisi Airport where he was delivered by his breeders: He seemed to be the  sweetest dog in the world. I would find out later that there was something quite unsettling  about him. Didn’t want to admit it to myself though – so intense had been the idea of getting the same dog that I had adored when I was a little girl.
Laculona however was the one to find me: One day I saw her sitting on my trullo neighbors doorsteps. She has been with me ever since.

What are they like?
One is the opposite of the other: Size, colour, short hair vs. curly/silky hair, short vs. long, city dog ​​vs. country dog, good dog vs. bad dog, one always barking, the other one keeps quiet. Pepito is the most stubborn, arrogant and mean dog I’ve ever had. And I’ve had  many!
Laculona however is tender and sweet, both with his fellow dogs and with humans, especially children.

Who would they be if not animals?
Pepito: Napoleon, Laculona: Snow White

Why do you love them?
I love them because I love animals. These two in particular are very funny, each in their own way and together even more. Watching them and spending time with them lightens my heart.

What do you enjoy most doing together?
We like to go for walks in the countryside and cuddle in front of the fireplace in the evenings.

How would you describe your relationship?
They hired me as their housekeeper: I have a soft dog bed and two meals a day at my disposal. The salary is good: kibbles and bone-shaped biscuits, I can’t complain.

PS: 100% animal and children friendly are Serena’s trullos in the Itria Valley that you can rent for your summer holiday. For enquiries check out her homepage lecasediserena.com