Cucciolo

"Cucciolo" in Italian means "puppy" and we have a 6 month old cucciolo now. In fact, he is a cacciatore, or hunting dog.
Needless to say I've been very busy. Between two cats, a new puppy, one husband and my work I have little free time.
But it's all worth it.



This poor little segugio (bloodhound) was found by a friend of ours outside of Rome abandoned on the highway and instantly he won over our hearts. Not the cats' hearts yet but so far there have been no major casualties. We decided to call him Otto, not in the number otto (oht-to, eight in Italian) but as in Ahhtto, the name of kings of Germany, including Otto I, THE founder of the Holy Roman Empire. Well I just like the name with or without the historical significance.
Anyhow, Rome is full of dogs. You thought the unofficial animal was the cat? Well there is no mistaking that dogs are a fierce competitor for that title. At least in my neighborhood. Plus I am learning all about the etiquette of owning a dog. From the social behaviors at the park (most people ask mascio? femina? to determine the sex of the dog. Two male dogs are usually a dangerous mix but a mascio and femina get along quite well at the dog run. In our case I just say cucciolo. Then everyone smiles and coos "che carino!" because a cucciolo is usually accepted by both male and females dogs and everyone loves a puppy). Then there is the social etiquette of the owners. Dogs are really like children in so many ways. And the owners are always the proud parents discussing the various personalities, obscure habits, and funny tidbits of information about their little loved one. Just so you know....I'm warning you now about future posts.