Giovanna Barbosa is an international creative director and model with an unconventional background as a former professional footballer and LLB Law graduate. She’s a powerful voice in the creative world, known for merging high-concept visuals with emotional storytelling. Here she tells us all about her three beloved dogs.
You have three dogs, please tell us their names and the stories of how they came to be your pets?
Daisy came into my life when I started high school. My grandfather and I walked into a pet store filled with puppies, but Daisy pressed her tiny paw against the glass when I walked by. In that moment, I knew she was meant for me.
Trixy is my rescue girl. I found her at the SPCA, sitting all alone in a cage while every other dog had a partner. She was so skinny her head looked bigger than her body, but she had the most irresistible smile. I couldn’t leave her behind.
Scooby’s story is the most emotional. One day, driving home, I saw people throwing stones at a tiny puppy. I stopped, asked them to hand him over, and he lay silently on my lap the whole way home. He was filthy, full of ticks, and didn’t even know how to eat from a bowl. I fed him from the floor, bathed him, treated his sores and wrapped him in love. He was so small that the collar from my Scooby-Doo teddy fit him – and that’s how he got his name. That first night, he slept on my chest with his paws on me, and he’s been by my side ever since.
If you were to describe each of your dogs using one word, what would they be?
- Daisy – Gentle
- Trixy – Loving
- Scooby – Playful
How do you feel pets make your life better?
They remind me to slow down, laugh at the little things and appreciate unconditional love in its purest form. No matter how tough my day has been, I know they’ve spent the whole day waiting just to see me – and that kind of love changes everything.
You have a high-profile career, how do you handle separation from your pets when you have to travel?
It’s the hardest part. Luckily, my parents spoil them with love and care when I’m away. And yes – I’m that person who video calls just to see their faces. But nothing compares to coming home to them. That moment is always the best feeling in the world.
If you could swap places with one of your dogs for the day, what would you want to do? And what do you think your dog would do if he/she was human for a day?
I’d definitely swap places with Scooby. I’d love to know what goes through his mind when he does zoomies all over the house – he’s always so happy and full of energy. If he were human for a day, I think Scooby would eat absolutely everything he could find!
Do any of your dogs have particular quirks? Any funny stories you can tell us about them?
Daisy is terrified of balloons – birthdays are not her favourite! Ever since she was a puppy, she hides whenever she sees one.
Trixy can’t sleep unless she’s completely buried under blankets, no matter how hot it is. When she greets you, she flops onto her back with the biggest smile and refuses to move. And she looks just like Buck the weasel from Ice Age!
Scooby has the cutest smile – with or without teeth. He’s hilariously scared of his own shadow and absolutely loves watching TV. His favourite is The Lion King. Whenever the lions come on screen, he runs up and barks at them.
Can you tell us in one sentence what you feel it means to be a good pet parent?
To love with patience, protect like family, and always make sure they feel safe and loved.
Which of your pets is…
- Most loving – Trixy
- Clumsiest – Scooby
- The best at snuggling – Daisy
- Craziest – Scooby
- Cheekiest – Trixy
You can read more about Giovanna here: www.giovannabarbosa.com
