What’s so amazing about Paula? What do you like BEST about her?
She has a very calm and loveable aura and mesmerizes every person she runs into. She is very friendly, interested and open, but has her own personality and way to live her life. She’s a true velcro and I can always rely on her. She is very sincere, grown up and responsible, but she also loves to be goofy.

How would you describe your relationship? 
We are deeply in LOVE with each other.

Do you know about her secret passions? 
Swimming and diving for stones. Hunting mice and squirrels. Walking in the woods and sniffing everywhere. Eating fish. The color pink. Persuading restaurant staff and bar tenders to bring her food.

Do you have a secret code? 
Our secret code is TRUST.

What makes her listen no matter what? 
All I need to do is tell her “Schau mal!” which means “Hey, look!” and she’ll immediately turn towards me. Food goodies do the trick as well.

If your dog were a person – who would she be? 
A real lady.

Why do you love her?
Because together we are ONE.

What was the funniest thing your dog has ever done?
From one day to the other she started to carry my towel from the beach, all the way up to the car. She was 10 when she decided to do so, no one has ever showed her how to has she ever seen any other dog do it.

Did your dog ever bring you closer to other people?
She’s contacting people all the time and connecting whenever she’s outside.

Where do you leave her when you have to go away for a couple of days? 
Since she is 14 now, I try to avoid leaving her alone or with someone else. She used to stay at her “grandparents”, who are the aunt and the uncle of my ex partner.

Is there anything that annoys you about Paulina? 
Nothing.

What are your favourite things to do with her?
Swimming in the sea, walks in nature.

Any dreams you’d like to come true with Paula?
We now have spent 14 years together full of many memorable events, adventures and journeys. My wish is to offer her the best life so she can enjoy her retirement to the fullest as long as she wants.

Is Paula part of the family and part of the household? 
She is my daughter, sister, and best friend, sure she sleeps with me too.

Any advice you would like to share?
Think deeply about the breed, size and especially character/personality your dog should have and what YOU can offer to the dog. Talk with several dog owners about their daily life experiences.
Make sure you fully understand that any animal is a being with a soul, heart and personal needs and desires. It has a fully working brain, senses when things go well or wrong. It needs your time and attention like a kid or any close family member, and shows an individual understanding/perception of things/life one should respect and support.
You will be responsible for a being for a minimum of 8-14 years – is this a life concept you have really bought into it with all consequences (work & life situation now and later, vacations, meeting new people/having a (new) partner, medical treatment, etc.)?
Be honest to yourself about the reason you want to have a dog. Don’t make yourself and, even worse, the dog unhappy. They trust us 200% and need to rely on us. Don’t break their heart!

Ciao Giovanna, what do you do when you don’t take your doggies out for walkies?
Well, I was born in Turin, grew up in Rome and after 10 years in London my family and I moved to Milan. Part of the family are certainly our French Bulldogs, Cosmo and Luna. I used to work in finance. Currently I’m dedicating myself to a great passion, art, with a special focus on the support of young and emerging artists.

Where did you and your doggies meet? How did you connect?
Cosmo entered in our lives in January 2021 from a breeder in Alba (Piedmont, Italy), while Luna arrived one year later from Pavia (Lombardy, Italy) but they are related via Luna’s dad (Alex) who is also Cosmo’s great-grandfather.

What’s so amazing about your dogs?
They are both sweet, cheerful and well behaved but while Cosmo is very calm and lazy, Luna is curious and super energetic!
Cosmo loves to stay at home all day just lying on the sofa, Luna enjoys going out and meeting other dogs to play with.

How would you describe your relationship?
They are both very attached to me, we spend most of our time together and they follow me everywhere. They always want to be close to me as to other members of the family.

Do you know about their secret passions?
Cosmo’s secret passion (not even so secret to be fair) are cuddles and massages.
Luna loves to play “catch” with toys like balls, bones or puppies and to watch the neighbours from the terrace. As I said she is super curious!

How do you “understand” each other? Do you have a secret code?
There is no special code we use to communicate. It simply happens. They don’t speak but they always find a way to let us know their needs and feelings and, on the other hand, they understand every situation without the necessity to explain anything. They are very sensitive but, in case we need to introduce rules, we do it gently.

Do you have a “trick” that always works? That makes him listen no matter what?
There is a trick that definitely works for both of them: cuddles, cuddles and cuddles!

If your dogs were people – who would they be?
If they were human, Luna would be an explorer and Cosmo a member of the royal family!

Why do you love them?
I love them for their loyalty, for the love they always demonstrate without asking anything back, for the way they look at us and for every little thing they do. I simply love them!

Did your dog ever bring you closer to another person/other people?
Sure! Every time we go out for a walk in Milan but also wherever we go on holidays.

Where do you leave them when you go away for a couple of days?
We always take them with us, if possible. If we ever have to leave them behind we take them to this “dogs hotel” close to our house where they are kept in very big spaces, with comfortable beds and classic music on. We know they’re fine because we monitor them through an app that allows us to be close all the time.

What are your favourite things to do with them?
Reading books with the two of them snoring gently next to me.

Any advice you would like to share?
Dogs aren’t puppies. They have needs and feelings. Be sure to be commited enough for the responsibilities involved with getting a dog.

Would you like to present yourself?
I am Paola Vernetti, certainly older than I think but as my Grandma used to say “Women and poets are ageless”. I’ve worked in all sorts of businesses: I used to be a model, then worked in a  showroom in Milan for some time, until I ended up in the village of Cascina Pellegrina, Novi Ligure (AL), where I started to work in my husband Gabriele’s company related to air conditioning. Lola is our fourth labrador (two of them sadly died far too early) and we’re really fond of her. Actually she’s like a daughter to us.  

Whats so special about Lola?  
A thousand things! Lola has the biggest room in both our hearts. She is very good, extremely behaved and shows absolutely no trace of aggression. Getting older we  got closer obviously, that turned into some sort of symbiosis now that she’s more mature. We share and enjoy certain habits and rituals that no one else would understand. And none of us, especially her!, can stand being apart for too long. So in case one of us moves she won’t settle as long as he or she returns to the “pack”.

What are Lola’s greatest passions?
Cuddles, food, jumping into the water and saving “dad”, who’s perfectly capable to swim alone but enjoys the fun. Whoever approaches her, pronouncing kind and gentle words, will be rewarded with little Lola, belly up and waving her tail, asking for cuddles. When she was a puppy she used to “chew” on pebbles which wasn’t funny at all! Fortunately she learned not to, growing up.

Anything you say or do to understand each other more easily?
We understand each other through looks and simple gestures. There’s mutual respect for each other’s moods, no need to say anything, she would understand or vice versa. If nothing “works” which rarely happens, “cookies” is her magic word that makes everything possible. 

Who would she be if not a dog? 
My best friend who understands me without words. 

Why exactly do you love her?
I love her because she is good with cats and all sort of animals, always obedient and cheerful. I love her because she’s funny when she walks. I love her because when she doesn’t want to do something she pretends not to hear – and certainly gets away with it! I love her too much. She is unique to both of us, like a daughter.

The cutest things she does, what are they? 
Well, she has this funny way of relaxing with her belly on the floor and the legs behind her, spread out like a frog. Too cute! To ask for our attention she’d go and grab a piece of our stuff, preferably a shoe. And it works! One of us would jump up and chase after her. The always gets it her way. After dinner and some TV she decides it’s bedtime: She would grab her bone and her favourite stuffed dog and make us understand that it’s time to go to sleep. One more, less funny but remarkable thing: She uses the stairs only if she feels like it. If she doesn’t, we have to pick her up and carry her wherever she needs to go. 

Do you ever leave her alone? 
Until a few years ago, pre Covid, we regularly went on holiday overseas or went to see places where they wouldn’t accept dogs. My dad used to look after Lola in the meantime. Last time we left her was for a winter holiday in the mountains. When we got back after ten days she was super anxious for too long, maybe because she is getting old? That’s when we decided we wouldn’t leave her behind any more.

What are your favourite things to do together? 
I love taking her for her evening walk around the farmhouse before dinner which is part of one of our daily rituals. And I love to caress her gently when she lies next to me. And I love doing gymnastics with her by my side! 

Any thoughts or suggestions that come to your mind? 
Needless to say, my perfect world would be with Lola by my side for the rest of our lives. Since that’s very unlikely, unfortunately, we enjoy every moment as if it was the greatest adventure, the most precious time we’ve ever had. So my advice for those who are thinking about taking an animal in: Don’t decide lightheartedly, since it’s a commitment that lasts a long time. But if you’re certain about what you’re doing be sure they’ll pay back with the purest joy you can possibly imagine.

PS: Paola’s second life is her agency for locations to rent for photo productions in Cascina Pellegrina. Check this (and many other fabulous things she does) out on @cascinapellegrina

Ciao Mara, would you like to present yourself?
I’m Mara Cavallo, aka Maria Cheval. I’m about to turn 40, I live in Monopoli, Puglia, and I have been working in fashion for over 20 years, first as a model, then as a production manager for important brands, especially in the wedding industry. Now I’ve got my own atelier where I produce tailormade dresses for special occasions. I have created a collection of “dummies” that the customer can select and try on in my atelier. Any customizations, combinations and colors are possible, everything can be, nothing has to be. That’s my professional dream come true. Privately I’m nothing more and nothing less than a “mom” to seven fantastic big dogs!

Who are your dogs?
A fantastic mix and assortment of types! They are all adoptions from shelters, who I support as a volunteer. Birillo showed up at my house all alone and we welcomed him with open arms. Three years ago I met Bulla, a distrustful dog, only six months old, who arrived in the kennel because she had escaped from someone who must have really hurt her. Even today, after years of cuddles and love, he doesn’t like sudden movements and is very wary of people. Then came Biba, part of a litter brought to the kennel, victim of abandonment. I loved her right away, she was and still is the liveliest of the family. My husband wasn’t very keen on another adoption, but when we got to the kennel to pick her up, he immediately said: “Well, let’s take her home!”. In fact she is “Daddy’s little girl”, they have a relationship of their own. And then the fourth, fifth, sixth … it’s so easy that we got to seven! For me, for us, our dogs are life, happiness, family.

How do you “understand” each other?
We have our own language made of sounds, gestures and magic words. We understand each other instantly. “Let’s go” is the one they love most, because it means: Let’s go out and run around in the meadow. To have them come to me right away, I just say “snack” and they all arrive at full speed!

If they were people – who would they be?
If my dogs were people? Well, to me it feels they already are! They would definitely be our children, with the only difference that we consider them as eternal children to be looked after and protected. We love them madly because their presence has brought love and harmony into the family, as well as lots of laughter, lots of funny games – and lots of hair, always and everywhere. We wouldn’t be the same without them.

Do you have someone to leave them to when you’re gone for work or holiday? Seven dogs are quite a challenge..
It’s always a big drama to leave them because I feel terribly guilty. Fortunately they have a wonderful grandmother who takes care of them in every way, even going so far as to share a bed with some of them. They love their little holiday which helps us a lot.

Tell us about your family life.
The “children” are part of the family, they are by our side at all times of the day when we are at home. They can move everywhere independently, and they do follow us wherever we go. Luckily we also have a lot of outdoor space and we have created a huge garden for them to roam free. However, the only one who sleeps in bed with us sometimes is Biba, who looks and behaves like a Labrador. She is super sweet and communicates more than all the others. Actually she reminds me a lot of the dog in the movie “Marley and I”. Actually that’s another thing we love to share: Watching dog movies with our dogs by our side. I could start crying now, just thinking about it! The mere thought of having to say goodbye to one of them is the worst we can imagine.

Anything you’d like to share with others who aren’t as experienced as you are?
Well, choosing to share our life with dogs was one of the best choices we ever made. What you experience goes beyond love. If someone has the desire to get a dog I can only say “What are you waiting for? Happiness awaits you locked behind a tiny kennel gate. And if you open it, you’ll open the door to a new and wonderful life. Then, if you can, adopt and don’t buy. You won’t regret to help a soul that was locked away and deserves nothing but love.

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_

Elena, do you remember the day you met the ‘dog that would change your life’?
Sure I do! We saw an article in the Lecce newspaper, in a column of news, both good and sad, about animals. An article referred to a litter of six puppies that had been abandoned near the dumpster and someone had taken them to a kennel closeby. For me it was out of the question to take one of them, too much responsability, little experience with dogs etc. , still I wanted to take a look. So we went to see the little ones at the kennel where all sort of dogs, puppies and adults, were running, barking, playing all together. When we got closer they all ran away – apart from Kabù, who remained seated alone in the courtyard, with that irresistible look of someone who does not understand what is happening. He was just under three months old, shaking like a leaf in the wind. Instant crush!

What is so special about him?
I have always called him the Dalai Lama of dogs. He has incredible patience, wisdom and composure. He stayed by my side, especially in some rather difficult years, always in silence but with a strong presence. I am certain of having a karmic bond with him, which goes beyond time and space and which always makes us find one another.

Why do you love him?
For so many reasons! Because he’s a wonderful life partner, because he had the patience to support me and adapt to my hectic life. Because 17 years together are an incredibly long and intense timespan. Growing up he has kept up his puppy spirit, as if he were always in awe of something he sees for the first time. Even now that he’s an “old gentleman” he has that sparkle in his eyes that hasn’t faded with time. Kabù is part of every important memory of mine. Also because he is my daughter Eva’s older brother. They have an incredibly close relationship and he has always watched over her. And about me.

Is there anything you learned from him?
I’d say he teaches me a form of pure and essential love, perseverance. And to be more patient – which not not always works…

Anything annoying that he does?
Well, not really… He seems to love the smell and taste of paper, so every piece he’d find around the house is his to nibble on, including books. But to tell you the truth it makes me laugh rather than angry. And I put my favourite books in a safe place.

Your favourite moments with him – what are they?
At night, before I go to sleep, I put my head next to his and talk to him in a low voice, saying Hi, cuddling him, telling him about my day. He responds making sounds that seem to imitate mine. I adore these moments.

Cat person, dog person? Who cares about all those labels when the heart is at the right place and the only thing you want to do is help those creatures who were abandoned, thrown in the garbage, hit by cars, chased or killed by other animals,  poisoned by people, drowned or got sick from bad food. The lucky ones are found by kind souls and brought to the attention of the Peniche shelter which unfortunately is overflowing with abandoned animals and short in supply. When they can’t take them, Elisabeth steps in. In 5 years as an animal “streetworker” she not only became experienced in animal care of all kinds but also more “exotic” healing pratices like Reiki to make their tortured little bodies strong and healthy again. She also created a network of animal lovers, The Kittenconnection, an organization that rescues kittens, sterilizes cats and supports people finding and fostering kittens that in 2022 only has taken in over 150 kittens, bought an incubator for the very little, fragile ones (the only one in the area), and started her own foster network, which helps to quarantine kittens. “We are working on creating a sanctuary with a coffeeshop, an affordable veterinarian, space for the animals to roam safely and to grow up in a healthy environment.”

You dedicated your life to the protection of animals, cats and dogs. Tell us about the “dogs only” activities!
I take in foster dogs and find them forever homes. I myself have adopted one dog from the streets and one from the Peniche shelter. Since the end of 2022 I foster 2 dogs at a time, and as soon as one is adopted I take a new one in. My aim is to get the dogs adopted to good families, especially outside of Portugal. Also will I create a walking group, to get the dogs weekly out of the shelter..” 

Anyone who you rescued lately?
Yes, I just found a lovely family for Kaelea, a gorgeous brown labrador lady, who was taken from a horrible family situation (with her 4 kids) and brought to the shelter in Peniche. I have no idea what happened but if police takes animals from people in Portugal the situation must be really, really bad. I had already two dogs in the house and a thrid one would have overwhelmed me. But I was convinced that I wanted to do everything I could to find a foster family for her. You must know: Kaelea means Joy in Hawaiian – and she brought joy and happiness in my life from the first day I saw her.
In January 2023 I walked her and my dogs at the beach, and a family came talking to me. They had fallen in love with Kaelea instantly! But the time wasn’t right. They had to sort things out at home in Belgium. 3 weeks later they wrote me again, asking if the dog was still available, they would be now ready for her. So Kaelea lives in Belgium now, her sweet soul bringing joy over a lovely caring family. She is the most awesome dog, kind, protective but not too much, intelligent and happy. I learned that this is my niche: Helping the animals to find foster families all over Europe. I’ve got the communication skills, I can do it!”

PS: Find Elisabeth on Instagram @magic_elisabeth or @thekittenconnection