Simon & Dakota
ph. Jonathan Llense
story by Serena Evely
Simon wanted to name his dog after an American state. ‘South Dakota Dog’ was written on the animal's passport. But in reality, whether they are in the countryside or in Paris where they share their time equally, she is called Dakota.
In the city and in the fields
"I have a rather unusual lifestyle: I spend half the week in Paris and the other half in the country. I had been looking for a dog for a while - because my girlfriend, who has always had dogs, started to point them out to me in the street and because having a dog brings unlimited affection... - and I knew it was important for him to be at ease in both contexts. While searching, I came across an advertisement placed by a family on Le Bon Coin, which I liked: I met them, we talked for an hour, and I adopted Dakota, the last of the litter."
Carte blanche
"When I’m in the countryside, I’m very relaxed. When we are there, Dakota is free to roam. When I started to learn about dog training, I learned that you have to trust them, and they will trust you too. So she goes off-leash wherever she wants, which is quite rare for a puppy; vegetation, soil,... she sniffs everything. And she never goes very far and comes back no matter what."
Dream Team
"But I am from Paris at heart, and I live there. The city is essential for me too. Although in Paris, Dakota accompanies me to art openings, restaurants and cafés, she cannot come to the gallery where I work before long. So, I signed up with 'Emprunte mon Toutou' (a platform that connects dog owners with people who want to keep or walk their dogs); now Dakota has regular, dedicated dog sitters who live in the neighborhood! These people create a real relationship with her. She is happy to be reunited with them... and I'm very grateful for that."
