meet marcangelo
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE IS THAT A WOLF OR A DOG?
6 year old Marc and friend at Nonna’s house in Italy.
A: My book is based on my first year with Arya and discovering the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed. The book is based on a true story, I just told it from the perspective of a 14 year old Marc. The story parallels a lot of my life dealings with this unique breed of dog. Growing up, I had a dog named Luna who was all black. We got her when I was 5 years old after we had been robbed. When my mom got pregnant with my brother Chris, we sadly had to give Luna away. Our next family dog was Lyla, a Jack Russell Terrier, we got when I was 15. Lyla lived for 18 years and sadly passed away a couple of years ago. Arya met Lyla a couple of times and Lyla wasn’t a fan of her puppy energy! Marlie was another family dog who sadly only lived 4 years. My first tattoo (much to the dismay of my parents) was of a wolf. From there the obsession just continued. My favorite soccer team is AS Roma, whose club logo is based on the Romulus and Remus myth. Now I have been to Italy on family trips dozens of times, but never saw the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. It is very popular in Italy and the majority of the breed can be found there. On my most recent trip to Italy, I saw these dogs that looked like wolves. The first one I met was in Venice. I was looking for the San Barnaba church made famous from Indiana Jones the movie. There in the night, was this wolf in the streets! I was baffled as how this dog sat calmly in the streets. I spoke to the lady who owned her in Italian and asked a million questions about it. My obsession started from there! The rest is detailed in the book so I don’t want to give too much away!
Q: WHO ARE YOUR LITERARY INSPIRATIONS?
Lyla, the Jack Russell Terrier.
I am a 90’s kid and grew up on Goosebumps series from R.L Stine which started my love of reading. I also love reading anything from Stephen King, J.R.R Tolkien and of course George R.R Martin.
Q: THE BOOK CONTAINS A NUMBER OF ILLUSTRATIONS. WHAT ARTISTS HAVE INSPIRED YOU?
First encounter with a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog at the Chiesa San Barbara.
I am a visual learner and I wanted the reader to become fully immersed in the world I created. My fantastic illustrator, Andrea Alemanno, gave life to the story and made the pages alive. Andrea lives in Italy so is quite familiar with the dog. Growing up I read a lot of comic books and newspaper strips. Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes made a lasting impression on me. I find my relationship with Arya to be similar, complete with being pounced on. I am also a fan of the comic artists Todd McFarlane, Sam Keith, and Jim Lee.
Q: HOW IS ARYA DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DOGS?
Trying to get Arya to pay attention during a photoshoot.
A: Arya didn’t bark until her first year. Unlike other dogs, she communicates in different ways. She uses her body more and will whine or nip for attention. I have learned to understand her body language more with certain head tilts and other ways of communication. Arya won’t come up to anyone unless she knows them. “Normal” dogs will come running up to you. Arya is hesitant of new people. Yet, once she becomes comfortable with you watch out! She will greet you with a jump and a kiss!
Q: HOW DOES ARYA TEST YOUR PATIENCE?
A: Everything I ever knew about owning and training a dog didn’t apply to Arya. Ask anyone, and they will tell you I am the most impatient person. Arya made me learn to slow down and appreciate life. Training Arya took longer than my other dogs, but the satisfaction is twice as great. We have a telepathic like connection now. I constantly get barraged with questions whenever I am in public with her. Her beauty is both a curse and blessing! While we do not mind the attention, Arya can be overwhelmed easily. In Italy and Europe, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a common sight. Here in Canada, I personally only know 7 within an hour of us. The most common misconception is that she is a coyote...but she is a dog!
Q: WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE BREED?
A: Despite the name and look, Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are a recognized dog breed. These dogs aren’t for everyone and you need to have A LOT of patience. They can be destructive if not properly exercised or stimulated. I recommend prospective owners do their research and a meet and greet with the dog family to understand them better.
Q: WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU AND ARYA?
Sempre insieme.
A: I am currently writing my next book, a Mischievous Morning, which is about Arya and the time she escaped the house while I was sleeping. We will also be on Netflix USA in a documentary series that highlights our relationship.
meet arya
Q: WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Me as a puppy!
A: I was born April 5, 2018 in Potenza, Italy.
Q: HOW TALL ARE YOU AND HOW MUCH DO YOU WEIGH?
That time I was a dog model.
A: I am 26-27 inches tall and weigh about 80 pounds or 36 kg.
Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF TORONTO, CANADA?
For the hundredth time…I am not a coyote!
A: It can get very cold but I love it! I also like to chase Canadian Geese and eat their poop when my dad isn’t looking.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD TO EAT? LEAST FAVORITE?
A: I LOVE raw bones. I will never eat vegetables of any kind!
Q: WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GO FOR A WALK?
Did you know I can also fly?
A: I don’t like to walk, I love to run! Now that my dad trusts me to come back when I get called, I enjoy leash free parks and hiking trails.
Q: WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO SLEEP?
A: My bed of course! But my dad thinks it is his bed….
Q: HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BROKEN OUT OF YOUR CRATE?
A: I wouldn’t say broken, more like exited gracefully. But now I only go to my crate at night to sleep. My dad snores too loud so I can’t sleep in the same bed as him.
Q: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE HUMAN IN THE WORLD BESIDES YOUR DAD?
A: My uncle Chris! I love to bite and jump on him when he is busy playing computer games or doing work.
Q: PARLO ITALIANO?
A: Si!