Merci, french for thank you. Is that what you feel when you look at your 11 months old French bulldog?
I suppose so. Because it was pure luck that brought us together! I had no real intention of getting a dog, I’m too busy anyway. But my girls had always asked for one so I decided to give it a go and went to check out a litter of French Bulldogs in Bari, 2 hours from where I live. I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist once I got there… The rest is history.

What’s so amazing about Merci?
Her liveliness and sweetness I would say. She’s also meant to be very polite, but I believe that is because she is used to be by my side all the time. We do everything together: I take her to the lawyer or shopping, to my daughters’ sports lessons or for long rides in the car when I’m working.

Who is she more attached to?
I’m the breadwinner and she seems to understand that I’m the boss in the house. I’m providing for her basic needs and I take her to the vet (quite often, actually, they’re known to be very delicate). A piece of her big heart belongs to my daughters though. They are the ones who had wanted her so badly for a long time.

Who would she be if not a dog?
A bully in the neighborhood! Everyone knows her and her somewhat challenging character, but they also know that her attitude is fake: Merci is good from the top to the bottom of her soul.

I guess she’s got her proper role in the family?
She does! And, frankly, I didn’t think I could bond with her so much. I thought I would be different from all those dog owners who treat their animals as equals. To tell you the truth, I fell for it, too! We are 3 women in the house and we are ALL crazy about her.

Anything that annoys you about her – at least a bit?
There is something that makes me really angry but Merci doesn’t care: When I get out of the car for a few minutes and come back I’d find her sitting or sleeping on MY seat. She knows she’s not allowed to do that, she knows she’s supposed to move immediately, but he gives a damn.

What do you enjoy doing with her the most?
Well, unfortunately I don’t have much time to dedicate her, having two young girls and a challenging job. What we both enjoy are our daily visits in my atelier in Lecce. The taylors welcome her like a queen every time we show up! And then, of course, the long and cosy Sunday mornings in bed, all four of us together: Those are incredible moments for everyone!

Akitas seem to have a bit of a reputation. What is your Mitch like?
They may not be the best dog for beginners. Even I wasn’t quite sure if he wouldn’t be too much of a challenge. But Mitch is a very affectionate and calm dog, he loves being with his family and stay home. Sometimes we can’t even tell where he is in the house, because he’s so quiet, always sleeping somewhere! Then when you go find and cuddle him he rolls on his back and kicks his feet like a newborn.
However, he is a very proud, independent, touchy dog. And he always has been from the very first day. Maybe because there was a special feeling between us from when we first met. He was a puppy, and from all of his brothers and sisters he was the only one who immediately came to me to say Hi. They say
‘a dog chooses his master’ and not the other way round. In my case it’s true. Maybe we became his “therapy family”: All his worries seem to remain outside when we’re all together.

Is there anything you learned from him?
Sure there is! To love unconditionally without asking for anything or very little in return. To settle for the small things in life – if shared with the one you love.

Who would he be if he wasn’t a dog?
Good question. I don’t want to be sentimental but probably my father. They’ve got the same meek and affectionate character. And, of course, because they were born on the same day: December 13th

Anything about Mitch that annoys you sometimes?
Waking up at dawn with his big paw on my face. Like saying: ‘Take me for a walk please!’ I give in and off we go, for a run on the beach. There’s no better way to start the day.

What do you tell people who are scared of Mitch just because he is so big?
I often meet people who at first seem scared of him. With his 55 kilos he is just overwhelming! It’s mostly adults who are a bit cautious, the kids usually love him, want to embrace him, kiss him all over. Mitch has never done any harm to anyone but … any other dog could get annoied by those things. So I often find myself explaining dogs’ behaviour to kids which for me is nice and for them it’s important. Mitch takes it all with the greatest calm and lets his eyes speak. This way he kills all the tension that there may have been.