You might think that this is the story of Louise Badger and Lawrence Kershaw and their move to
Italy.
It might seem that it was their decision to look for a house in Tuscany
– into which they could move
themselves and begin a new chapter in their lives
– which took them to Poggiolino, in the foothills of
Lucca. But in truth, it is the story of a small, chestnut-haired dog, known as Todo.
Todo was the reason that they put in an offer for the run-down, tired house. Todo was the little
character known across the neighbourhood who introduced Louise and Lawrence to their new
world – albeit a little sooner than they were expecting, as their plans to move were hardly
formulated. Todo it was who proved that such things as loyalty, courage and determination are not
reserved simply for humans.
Poggiolino was built by Carol MacAndrew, the first president of the Music Society of Lucca, and
when she died, her dog simply stayed put. The house stood empty for two years, with Todo
stubbornly refusing all efforts to re-home him.
When Louise and Lawrence viewed the house, his welcome made it seem to them as though they
had arrived home. He lived alone outside the house and his coat was matted and worn, but he
seemed to radiate friendliness. So it was that Todo
– and Signora Teresa, the equally loyal housekeeper
– proved hugely instrumental in the pair’s offer for the house being accepted. Both
continued after the purchase to help Louise and Lawrence to settle in.
There followed the frustrations of renovating – of re-connecting the telephone and bringing in the
internet, of packing up and leaving London, whilst continuing to run their music agency, and of
regular travel back and forth from England.
It wasn’t easy; the pressures were huge, but the pleasures grew to be enormous. The locals, from
electricians to policemen, and all who knew the previous owner, proved helpful and welcoming –
but time and again doors were opened to them because of the small dog, who seemed to smile at
everyone.
This is the story of love and devotion and of a precious friendship with an extraordinary dog. Part
memoir, part travelogue, part reassurance that moving to another country is possible, this charming
and heart-warming story of rescue and good fortune will raise both smiles and tears.
Louise Badger and Lawrence Kershaw were both born in the UK, but Louise spent her
childhood in Australia while Lawrence grew up in Liverpool. They met through a shared love
of music and were married in 1987. They have run a music agency for over a decade and
divide their time between London and a small village near Lucca.