Fun Fact: the Pug, or Carlino, is a favored dog breed here in Italy.
The history of the Pug is pretty interesting—in the 16th century they were brought to Europe from China and made vastly popular by the Prince of Orange. According to history, one particular critter named Pompey saved the Prince’s life and thus pugs became the official dog of the House of Orange. Shortly thereafter, all of Western Europe fell prey to their wrinkly spells! They were employed as guard dogs by the wealthy, they were utilized by the military to track animals and people, and in Italy they had their own private carriages and were dressed in the finest matching fashions as the coachmen; and were carried front and center of every parade. There are paintings of the Carlino that date back as far as the 1570’s. This one here: her name is Sophie. My parents brought her from the states when they were stationed in Porcia and we can’t walk with her for more than five feet anywhere without getting stopped by adoring Europeans. They smile and squeal with joy, and they proclaim, “Aye, Carlino!” as we walk by. The neighbors know her by name. She is a celebrity in and of herself. This girl’s not even fazed when people ask to take her picture, so that's exactly what I did with her today. I dressed her in a contrast leather harness and a velvet fascinator. The result: she puts the 'sophi' in 'sophisticated' <3
