August 2026 (G.T.) – Vespa and dogs: a special relationship that connects riders, vehicles and their dog friends. The latter have no intention of staying at home while their human friends are enjoying riding their Vespas, and they’ll do anything to get on board. With the necessary ‘safety measures’ and the regulation helmet, of course!
Chiara Ponti, a Vespa lover from Turin, knows a thing or two about this. She is a lawyer (specialising in Privacy & Legal Compliance and new technologies) and a journalist, as well as a keen sailor. She sent some photos to our editorial office (many taken by Federico De Crescienzo, a photographer at Studio 185), which we are sharing with our readers. And here is the interview that reveals some wonderful friendships.
Chiara, can you introduce us to your friends, posing on your Vespa like seasoned influencers?
“They’re two Cavalier King spaniels – very much ‘King’ and not so much ‘Cavalier’: one is a male, my beloved Whisky, whose nickname is Nano, because he’s smaller than average for his breed; he’s been by my side for nearly nine years. Then there’s Dolly, my mum’s dog, who often comes on trips with us”.
She describes herself as having been a Vespa enthusiast for around twenty years, and has owned three Vespas to date: A LX 125 (2005), the Vespa Primavera (2016) and the new Vespa GTS 310 (2026), in the stylish ‘Verde Amabile’ livery. But when did her passion for the world’s most famous Italian scooter begin?
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’d dreamt of riding around on two wheels, and when I was five, I asked my parents for a toy Vespa.”
Is your Vespa your everyday travel companion for getting around the city, or have you also taken longer trips on it, in Italy or abroad?
“Not yet, but one of my dreams is to tour Corsica on a Vespa, with Nano.”
Her other passion is her little dogs, who she calls her ‘Vespisti’ – why?
“They really are Vespisti, because they come along on the Vespa with me. Nano always has, ever since he was one year old (he’s missing an eye, which is why he wears those little goggles he looks so good in). He just hops onto the footboard, and off we go. He’s very daring, but he’s always been that way: when he was barely a month old, he saw me coming, left his mum and ran to meet me. He’s crazy: he had no idea what he was getting himself into…!” In other words, becoming a ‘Vespa-dog’.
What is little Whisky’s story?
“Whisky’s story is that of a ‘Nano Star’. He lost his eye at 11 months whilst he was at a kennel with another dog, apparently a Corgi cross. But despite this, Whisky hasn’t lost his desire to be with other dogs and play with them. His friendship with Dolly is a prime example.”
What thoughts would you like to share with our readers?
“Whisky’s story speaks for itself, and it has taught me extraordinary resilience; the fact that my ‘Nano Star’ loves coming along on the Vespa with me reinforces a firm belief of mine: disability is a superior ability.”
Have you got a dream you’d like to fulfil with your beloved Whisky?
“My dream is to take Whisky around the world, to introduce him to others, and to reach out to young and old alike with his profound goodness and sweetness, giving him back all the love he has given me ever since he came into my life on four paws, making me a better person. My Whisky Vespista – now a seasoned influencer – is offering his services as an ambassador and face of the iconic brand… who knows!” Well, the bid has been launched…!
Chiara Ponti concludes… in rhyme: “Two wheels and four paws have been warming the hearts of so many for over eighty years; and they take the stress away: whether travelling alone or in company, it’s the best choice there is, day after day!”
And Chiara is already organising a trip to visit the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera (Pisa province, in Tuscany, Italy), just around the corner from the factory where the Vespa was first produced in 1946, and where it is still manufactured today. Her travelling companions: Whisky, the ever-present ‘Nano Star’, photographer Federico De Crescienzo and another Vespa-riding friend.
“My Vespa friends and I recently went for a lovely ride through the hills around Turin: it was amazing! I'd really recommend it,” adds Chiara.
And we’ve realised that, in reality, Chiara, Federico and their friend are the ‘crew’ who’ll be accompanying the ‘Nano Star’: they’ll be welcomed at the Piaggio Museum (dogs go free). A visit that will also be a great opportunity for an incredible photo shoot… with Nano Star taking centre stage!
