An ad last week in this newspaper noted that Lupo, a German shepherd who often spends time in the window of Giovanni D’Italia Shoe Repair on Garden Street, was ready to retire.
“I am writing to you today to let you know that due to my physical conditions I have to retire soon,” said a letter from Lupo under his photo. “I thought I would retire in Florida somewhere, but with my heavy coat I think I will go somewhere much higher. Someone has a different plan for me. I’m hoping I will have a good view of this old store and my old friends because I am going to miss them all very much. It was a great run. Love always, Lupo.”
Lupo sat among his toys and balls.
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D’Italia said it is hard to say how long the 10-year-old dog will live. While he has two tumors, his death is not imminent. His veterinarian just said it was time to make him more comfortable.
Last week, Lupo calmly watched passers by from the window of the shop, among his toys and balls.
D’Italia said he bought the dog 10 years ago as an eight-week-old puppy from a branch of the New York Kennel Club in New Jersey.
Now that the dog is retiring, he won’t be at the 49-year-old shop every day. But he will still be in the building, as D’Italia owns it and lives there.
“He stays here every day, all day long,” D’Italia said.
Then, Lupo posed for photos with his owner as he always has, and customers are still free to come by and visit him – he just may not be there every day now that he is a senior citizen.