Dogs Are To Italy What Cows Are To India

     

     While I do not wish to offend those of the Hindu faith, I have never seen a country cherish an animal, other then India and their sacred cows, like Italy does dogs.  When I first arrived into Florence, instead of being greeted by the hostile customs agents that all of us that travel a lot have become accustomed to, Libby and I were greeted with warm smiles.  I was not even asked to show her veterinary paperwork proving that she is in good health. Although the fact that she has her own 5 star travelling bag, was wearing her Polo sweater, and had a pink bow in her hair...oops she is a dog, I keep forgetting....I mean fur, probably was their clue that she is well taken care of.

     Just like the cow is allowed to wander freely anywhere it wants in India, dogs are welcome almost everywhere in Florence, except for churches and museums.  It is not that dogs are simply tolerated, on the contrary they seem to be embraced.  And it is not just that Libby weighs 2.5 pounds that we seem to be warmly greeted wherever we go.  When you go into a restaurant you will see dogs of all breeds and sizes. Surprisingly, they are all very well behaved.  Probably better behaved then most children, if the truth be told.  When I go to the local grocery store it is not uncommon to see a dog riding up in the seat of the shopping cart that you would normally see a child in.  Again, sitting perfectly calm, looking around with an almost dignified look about them.  Whether it be at the market, or just wandering the streets on our daily adventure, Libby and I meet many dogs and their "parents".  Italians seem to be devoted to walking their dogs.  At all hours of the day and night you will see lots of dogs happily getting their exercise.  While in Canada I found myself cautiously approaching a strange dog, here in Florence the dogs seem to know what is expected of them.  I have yet to see a dog act aggressive, or even so much as jump up uncontrollably.  While I am sure that those dogs exist, they are apparently an exception.  I am left wondering if our four legged family members here in Italy have such a well behaved manner because they grow up truly being a part of a families' everyday life, and as such are taught from a very young age how to behave in many different environments.

Libby and I at the hair salon.

     It is not just dog owners who love dogs here in Italy; all Italians seem to.  Libby and I are stopped many times in the street every day so that a warm Italian can have just a short visit with her.  While I speak virtually no Italian, and while they often speak virtually no English, it doesn't matter as their affection for Libby is clearly expressed despite the language barrier.  The elderly Italian women adore Libby so much that they will cross the street to come visit with her and will kiss her on the end of her nose, with absolutely no regard where that nose has been or what it has come across on the city streets.  

     Libby had a hard time adjusting to city life when we first arrived here in Florence.  She was frightened of all the people and the chaos of the cars and scooters zooming by.  Now when she sees me getting ready to go out she is at the door squirming with excitement hoping that I will put her leash on her.  She now prances down the streets and laps up the attention that she gets.  And while I am not sure if she prefers pesto spaghetti, roasted chicken or pizza, she seems to know when we are walking towards my favourite pizza restaurant.  I think it has become "our" favourite pizza restaurant.  Yes, for those of you who are wondering how Libby is adjusting to life in Italy,  she has adjusted quite well to going from a "Canadian princess" to an "Italian bella".  And while I was teased in Canada for how much I love my dogs, I have found a country where I actually seem normal for considering Libby as my bambina.            

Libby and her Italian boyfriend Kios

Enjoying a run in a piazza.

Happy to go to bed after a day out.  

      

Libby after the doggie beauty parlour.