Living in Coverciano, a 15-minute bike ride from Florence's historic heart, I've found myself wrapped in the authentic Italian way of life. Here, the rhythm of life has a unique cadence, one that forces you to slow down and savour each moment. This leisurely pace is something I'm learning to embrace; it is difficult for me, it is not my natural state to slow down. I am watching how it's most poignantly reflected in the Italians' deep love for their four-legged companions.
Strolling back from our local market just a few days ago, I witnessed a moment perfectly encapsulating this bond. An elderly lady, likely in her 90s, was walking her dog, a ball of fluff so endearing it halted me in my tracks. "Dolcissimo," (the sweetest) I couldn't help but say. The lady's face became radiant, and she responded, "Sono Minnie, Sono Minnie." Our conversation, a delightful blend of my limited Italian and expressive gestures, was marked by her evident adoration for her fur ball companion, Minnie.
The Pope had expressed concerns about Italian couples preferring pets over children. He stated in 2022, “We see that people do not want to have children, or just one and no more. And many couples do not have children because they do not want to, or they have just one – but they have two dogs, two cats … Yes, dogs and cats take the place of children,” the Pope said. “Yes, it’s funny, I understand, but it is the reality".
The relationship between Italians and their pets, like Minnie, is profoundly affectionate and deeply integrated into their lifestyle. In Coverciano, this kinship is evident everywhere. Dogs accompany their owners in supermarkets, sitting regally in the child seat of shopping trolleys, or lounging on chairs in cafes and restaurants; my last taxi driver had a photo of her Labrador "Mia" on the revision mirror and beamed when I asked about her. Dogs are almost omnipresent except for a few places like the Uffizi Gallery and doctors' offices.
It's particularly heartwarming to see how dog owners will enthusiastically cross the street so their furry companions can meet someone else's furry companion that looks the same. They point them out to their dogs and get all excited. In the supermarket, I saw one Jack Russel owner gently smack the bottom of her dog as she raced it over to meet another Jack Russell in another trolley! This spontaneous socialisation is a testament to the community's social nature and the laid-back lifestyle that allows for these unhurried, joyous interactions.
Italy demands that you embrace a slower pace of life. Whether through nurturing children or caring for pets, the Italian way of life celebrates life in all its forms with open arms. This love, diverse in its expression, paints a vivid picture of a culture that values the beauty of life and the richness of every connection.
Living here is a constant reminder of the joys of taking it slow, eating seasonal food, taking the time to talk to someone new, witnessing the seasons in all their glory, and appreciating both the big and small moments.
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