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 Fiona, I do think that you need to see the dog first. We were looking to adopt one and we went to a local animal welfare association. They told us about this small dog who was in a foster home. We went there and our "Tequila" (she had been given that name) was at the end of a long corridor. The minute she saw me, she came running towards me and she literally jumped into my arms. It was as if she was saying "Where have you been all this time? Take me, take me home..." It was a very poignant experience and it was also a case of "love at first sight". There hasn't been any problems, she is right now having a nap close to me and if I move, she will quietly follow me in a non-intrusive way. She also follows my husband  around, but in her "pack" he is not the "alpha dog"; that position is totally mine.Bonding is very important for a happy pet.

IKEA sells some mattress toppers. Check with them. 

 You can also find a recent thread on this subject here: I am afraid that I cannot help you with personal experience as I do not reside permanently in Italy.Good luck with your research.

John, your brother is one of those anonymous heroes who save many lives through his constant work. We have lived in Australia for 24 years and bushfires are big tragedies there.Everyone should be very careful with fires, particularly during the summer. It is always better to check, even with the local "vigili" to see what is allowed and under which conditions. They are the experts and they will be glad to give advice.This way, we could avoid many tragedies although most fires that go out of control are caused by arsonists. And then, these are very sick people.... 

 Thank you, Coppicer, and sorry to hear about your bad experience. I have seen those groups of women with babies and children or small groups of children operating around railway stations and on the train that goes from Lucca to Florence. They are "Roma Gypsies" to be found all over Europe and, traditionally, they have been highly skilled in these tricks. It is hard to blame them, they are, in turn, victims of a society which has tried to segregate them from the mainstream and for them it is a way of earning a living. This is a very interesting article on the topic, it deals with children; however, a group of women with several babies and toddlers is not uncommon:There is not much that can be done except for being vigilant, avoid these groups and carry our valuables in a small security pouch covered by our clothes.On the other hand, I had my handbag stolen while I was at a very posh cafeteria with some friends. I did not suspect a thing. The damage was big, as the handbag was an expensive one, plus I had my Australian passport in it and to have it replaced I had to make a special trip to the Consulate in the capital.Consequently, I am very careful nowadays.At least you managed to get your wallet back. I'm glad for that.

Thanks, Alma, you always learn something new. We always thought  that the road will be too crowded, particularly during the high season. We will try to go this way in September. 

 This site and all its attachments may also help:

Very sorry to hear about Chicco's death, John. As you know, we also have an elderly Shorkie-tzu (Shih-tzu-Yorkie X) who was abandoned and adopted by us (or is it the other way around... we are not quite sure about that). Chicco was very lucky to have you around, looking so well after him. But we can't go against old age, no matter what we do. Fortunately, you have your other pets. Our "Tequila" is also getting old now, but she knows she is very much loved and that she will never be abandoned again. Chicco, certainly, also knew that.I will also look forward to hearing about your interview, Fiona.

 This site may also be of interest to you:Good luck!

 Welcome back, Masca. As you may remember, we are in the same "comune". I think that our figures are identical or very similar to last years. And if we are not residents.... we have no option but to pay.