“Hi! My name is Lino, although some know me as “Lino the Iggy.” For those who don’t know, “Iggy” is short for Italian Greyhound. I was born in Valencia on April 13, 2019, and I was the only boy in a litter of three puppies. My mother came to meet me when I was three weeks old, and since then, her heart belongs to me. I currently share a home with my two older brothers, Simón (a Sphynx cat whom I adore) and Max (an Exotic Shorthair cat, whom I tend to tease most of the time).
Carlina, my dear mom, opened my Instagram account shortly before I arrived home. She shared photos she took of me during her visits to Valencia, and in the meantime, she immersed herself in the world of the Italian Greyhound on social media. It's incredible how quickly she connects with dogs and people from other cities and even countries. Furthermore, you could say that thanks to being a trilingual dog (I speak Spanish, Valencian, and English), I've been able to reach many more people. Friends, languages are very important...
Mom spent her childhood surrounded by all kinds of animals... and when she moved out, she decided to share her life with a beautiful black Persian kitten named Gaia. Then came Simón, later Max, and last but not least... ME. So I became her first dog. And what are the advantages of being someone's first dog? Well, many, because, my dear friends, anything "cute" will be for you. A collar, a bed, a food bowl, my first outfit (I'm a dog who gets cold easily), a bandana or a scarf, even getting to the wardrobe. Yes, I have my own wardrobe...
They say greyhounds are photogenic from birth, right? But what I didn't know was what was coming. What a terrible mistake it was to choose a photographer for a mother... My life seemed peaceful: I got cuddles, food (though I'm a bit of a softie when it comes to food, they call me "the picky eater," and never has that been more true), walks, naps, naps, naps, and there she was, my dear mother, with her phone in hand, which later became a camera. Every hour, every pose, every gesture, everything seemed funny or cute to her, so she decided to photograph it and post it on social media!
Some say I'm like an "Iggy fashion icon," since I have all sorts of accessories and clothes. Depending on my mood or the time of year, I wear different things. I also have to admit that I love matching outfits with my mom, which means dressing in the same colors or even using the same accessories for dogs and humans.
What started as a hobby, a fun way to pass the time, has ended up becoming a lifestyle and a team effort. I pose in exchange for treats or cuddles, and I sleep many hours because my body craves it, and my mother is my professional-personal photographer and 24/7 manager.
By the way, here's a fun fact. For those who don't know, I'm my mother's muse for her "Very Animal Photography" project. She reached a point in her life where she needed a radical change, both professionally and personally. And my beautiful greyhound couldn't help but inspire her to create this new project. Since then, we haven't stopped. I say "we" because, in case you were wondering, I'm her assistant. I go to her sessions and tell her which dogs I like, judging them by barking from loudest to softest (haha). And no, I'm not jealous that she photographs other dogs. Sharing is caring, and besides, that way I can take advantage of those moments to have a few naps or steal a treat if I'm at the session...”
If you're eager to learn more about Lino and his unique way of life, you can find him on his personal Instagram account as @linotheiggy or as a muse and assistant at @fotografiamuyanimal.
Her photos will leave you speechless!