HAVING A DOG MEANS MAINTAINING A SPORTY, UNCOMPLICATED LIFESTYLE

Q: How did you get into dogs and what lifestyle do associate you with them?

A: My first dog, a German shepherd mix, was rescued in Italy from a stone-filled jute bag just before drowning and ended up with me in a roundabout way. My second dog, a Labrador, was a more conscious decision to have a hunting and family dog. Having a dog means maintaining a sporty, uncomplicated lifestyle. The dog needs to follow me everywhere I go and should fit under the table in a noble restaurant as well as find a place in the back of the SUV with dirty fur after a day in the forest.

Q: How often do you talk to your dog and about what (fashion, style...)?

A: I permanently talk to my dog and probably most of the time he is even the first living being that really listens attentively to me in the morning... ;-). Unfortunately, my questions remain largely unanswered, if you disregard the intense tail wagging and the attentive look. The crucial questions, say about which leash to take today, leaves him completely cold.

Q: Your favourite restaurants, bars, cafes and parks with dog?

A: My favorite place to go is the Zürichberg forest behind the zoo. There Jago is totally in his element and sniffs out the "news of the day". On the large meadows you can also practice playing fetch undisturbed.

In Zurich, dogs are actually welcome in all restaurants, cafes and bars. Dogs even more so than small children... in that case the citizens of Zurich are a bit peculiar... For Jago places with gardens or outdoor restaurants like the Adlisberg or the Old Tobelhof are naturally most suitable. The staff there is especially accommodating of dogs and is quick to serve them a bowl of water.

Q: Which dog habits do you prefer to keep under wraps and what do you insist on?

A: Our dog is never allowed to beg at the table and is not fed outside of his schedule. As much as I love Jago, he is also not allowed in the bedroom and no matter how charming his gaze, he is not allowed to snuggle on the sofa. Instead, he has several beautiful beds scattered around the house that he loves to retreat to.

Q: Do you travel with your dog and where do you prefer to go? And what should not be missing?

A: This summer we flew from Zurich to Sweden in a 4-seater private plane. My husband at the wheel, me as "co-pilot" and Jago in the back on the leather seat as our passenger. We really try to take him with us everywhere. He is probably the only dog who jumps into the travel crate, wagging his tail eagerly anticipating to fly with us in the airliner. The most important thing is to be there, that is his motto. He always and unshakeably trusts us that our trips with him are going to be fun.

Q: What do you value in dog accessories?

A: They should be functional but also please the eye at the same time! They have to suit the interior as well as my outfits, depending on the occasion.

Jago wearing his "Geneva" collar.

ABOUT ASTRID VON STOCKAR

Astrid von Stockar was a journalist and presenter for Swiss television SRF for over 20 years. Through her production company "Filmsociety", she shoots documentaries, hosts web video formats such as "Zukunftsfahrt" on Blick.ch and leads the Swiss dental company Swissdent as CEO.