03/02/2025
Navigating deep grief from losing both Vito and Santino last year is an ongoing journey. One form of solace are my hikes from our home to the Chicago river. Since I no longer have our pups to explore with, I talk to them as I walk.
Three months ago, as I left Marshall Fields to enjoy the Walnut Room holiday decorations, my route headed north at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and Randolph Street.
That’s when I heard someone call my name.
I turned to see friend Steve Dale. His warm smile coupled with laughter were the perfect antidote to the sadness I felt as we headed into the first holiday season without our boys.
We chatted about our families, joy for Chicago holiday decorations, and love of animal family members. I mentioned how hard it’s been without our pups, and how well Vito had been doing within the scope of his dog attack recovery journey.
As we stood near a busy Chicago intersection, I realized that bumping into a friend at that exact moment was meant to be. Steve listened, and was truly present as we both lean into the loss of our respective canine family members.
Later that week, Steve reached out to ask if I’d be willing to share our story about leash laws here in Chicago. After all these years, I STILL well up recounting events for a traumatic event Vito and I never asked for.
So, if anyone here is interested, here’s the WGN Radio link.
Live radio time slots are brief, yet I truly appreciate Steve’s media platform to share a small part of our story.
Vito’s journey will hopefully live on in various forms as we unfold it together.
Thank you for being a thoughtful, caring radio host, Steve. Our community is lucky to have your support and advocacy toward animal welfare.
Many thanks to those here that provide a safe space to post this personal update.
https://wgnradio.com/steve-dales-pet-world/animal-behavior-training-concepts-and-the-importance-or-adhering-to-leash-laws/
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Laura Monaco Torelli is the owner and founder of Animal Behavior Training Concepts and she is an internationally celebrated dog trainer, and based in Chicago where an awful event occurred. If the t…