Safe travels across the bridge, little big Olimpia

Safe travels, little big Oli. To us you’ll always be that big, energetic puppy who never stopped running, even at night. You were an exceptional travel companion, you always protected us and never backed down, not even in the face of the craziest adventures.

You adapted to the chaos of Turin, you turned into a mum for that kitten who always drove you to despair but also made you laugh, you won yourself thousands of strokes across 34 countries. In the van you took up every inch of floor space and taught us to move around on tiptoe, to truly live together and share with love. We hoped to reach Japan together with you, but that wretched illness took you away from us too soon.

All that’s left now is the emptiness, in a van that suddenly feels enormous. All that’s left is the silence, because you used to bark often and loved making yourself heard by everyone. We’re broken right now, and yet you’ll always be part of that messy, mixed-up puzzle that is our family. Run, Oli, run together with your little siblings Miao and Miele, and your boyfriend Boogie. Say hi to them for us, and wag your tail happily alongside them.

We will love you forever, PiccOlimpia.

Thank you for everything. Paolo, Sara and Sakè.