Ciao Mina, may I ask how you and Toto met?
It was love at the first sight. I followed my heart and chose him from a photo, I had no doubt he would be the right one. And he actually became the dog for my heart and soul.

In a few words only: What’s so amazing about him?
His love is unconditional without any demands or claims. He is just there, but he would never overdo:  He’s clever enough to leave me enough space.

So your relationship is kind of like…?
Toto is my little cutie pie and partner in crime. He is always with me, knows all my secrets and understands me.

May I ask his favourite treat?
Cheese! He’d do anything for a piece of yummy cheese.

Who would Toto be if not a dog?
My boyfriend.

And where does he sleep?
In my bed. Where else would he sleep?

Anything exciting to tell about his character?
Well, Toto is very passionate about everything he does. While we were playing by the sea last time we were in Puglia, he got so excited that he accidentally bit me in my hand. Just a little bit, nothing too serious, those things happen I guess. We went to the hospital and after medication everything was fine. Just to make you understand his unlimited passion.

Anything about him that really stresses you out sometimes?
He is so happy, all the time, that it can actually be annoying.

Any plans for the future – together?
Toto and I are working on making our biggest dream come true: moving to Puglia and living/working from there most of the time. 

A piece of dog advice you’d like to share?
Taking in a dog is a decision that comes from the heart. If you have to think about it, it’s not the right thing to do.

PS: Sabine Vatter is the head behind the slow fashion brand Mina Vatter. She designs and produces unique fashion pieces using vintage cotton, linen or vintage silk.

Just a curiosity, but considering you’re an expert on cheese: What do you feed your doggies?
They mostly eat high quality dry dog food. They all eat the same kind and they all eat from the same plate in my house. I think they need to know how to share. Then, of course, I spoil them every now and then. I would give them a piece of Parmesan cheese, chicken, fresh tuna, fresh meat. I’m convinced it’s good for their fur, they don’t seem to lose as much.

Where did you meet all three of them?
They were presents from dear friends or family: My father gave my the french bulldog to start with. Totò, being the little one, is also the only one allowed in the shop. There’s people who ask for him before they say Hi to me, can you Imagine? Omar I got from a friend and adopted Camilla because her former family couldn’t keep her.

What’s so amazing about your dogs?
They love unconditionally.

How would you describe your relationship? 
We live in perfect symbiosis. 

Do you know their secret passions? 
They love listening to music of any kind. I usually leave the house with some background music on, radio is fine, so they relax and don’t feel lonely without me. They love – we love! – Jazz. When they’ve got their music they usually just sleep while I’m gone. When I’m home we often put dance music on, I’d carry the Totò around the house and we’d dance all together. 

How do you “understand” each other? 
I talk with them a lot: whatever happened to me that day, what I’m about to do, who I’m about to see, at what time I’ll probably be home etc.  I can tell they understand. When I get home very late and they wanna play all I need to tell is that I’m tired and not in the mood and they’d let go of me. Or I’d explain that they’re not allowed to treat the cats badly. They usually listen well, then think it over and eventually change their behavior. 

Do you have a “trick” that always works? 
There sure is a magic phrase: “Who would like a biscuit?” 

If your dogs were people: Who would they be? 
Me, myself and I

Why do you love them?
Because they love me. 

What was the funniest thing your dogs ever did?

Living with cats in the same house.

Where do you leave them when you’re away? 
They stay home and a dog sitter comes to spend time with them. It’s been the same routine every day for years since I’m gone for work a lot. 

Is there anything that annoys you about them? 
Absolutely nothing.

What do you like most doing with them when you’re together? 
Sleeping in each other’s arms.

Are your dogs part of the household 100 %? 
We share everything, they are my life, my family.

Any advice you would like to give to someone who wants to get a dog but can’t decide?
A dog can turn your life upside down. But they make you a better person because they love you no matter what. You become noble-hearted! I have changed a lot ever since I took them in. I tend to appreciate everything now. Every day, every moment with them is a discovery.

PS: You find Dina Crovace’s gourmet Supermarket (and little Totò) on via Lecce, 32, Speziale. On her Instagram account @dinacrovace73 you can follow her and her furry family’s whereabouts online.