Il laghetto di melody
IN Zola Predosa (BOLOGNA)
ABOUT US
Poldo's family
Melody's Pond is the place where Poldo, a big shepherd dog, has chosen to live in harmony and peace with many animals of different species, forming a large family and a united pack that works together to convey pleasant and positive emotions to the visitors who come to visit.
Poldo sensed this harmony, which permeates all of Melody's Pond, as soon as he crossed the entrance gate to the center for the first time. It was August 2022, and Poldo was 2 months old. He immediately felt a sense of peace and tranquility, learning to live in harmony with the humans who took care of him here.
The love between Poldo and humans grew every day, so much so that Poldo decided to reciprocate this love and convey these feelings to children, adults, and the elderly who would come to visit. He began welcoming all newcomers together with Ilaria and Francesco, showering cuddles on anyone who entered.
Of course, Poldo never forgot his own kind. That's why he convinced Ilaria and Francesco to welcome all his fellow dogs who wanted to learn a bit of education and instruction, turning Melody's Pond into a Canine Center where his friends can now enjoy mobility dog activities and other playful olfactory activities to do in collaboration between dog and owner, puppy classes for puppies, and socialization classes for adult dogs, socializing walks for dogs. The relationship between dogs and owner guests at the center became more fulfilling and trusting every day, to the point that one day Poldo even convinced other animal species to follow his example.
And so, the family of our beloved donkeys, with mom Bianca and the children Fiocco and Neve, began to take part more and more often in donkey treks, cuddling and being cuddled by their human walking companions.
THE FARM
A lake among the rolling hills of Bologna
Melody's Pond is located amidst charming and green hills in the province of Bologna, in the picturesque locality of Cà Molinetti, in the hamlet of Ponte Ronca, within the municipality of Zola Predosa, on Via Leonardo da Vinci, No. 42. The center is surrounded by hills and immersed among the vineyards of the Bolognese hills and the woods, on the Wine and Flavors Road, rich with typical restaurants serving Bolognese cuisine.
Our dear guardian Poldo can have fun exploring, inspecting every blade of grass, and enjoying every scent of delightful treats. We are immersed in the peace and quiet of nature, and you can observe this by watching Poldo during his days. In fact, he can't wait to take a nap in the shade of the tall trees at Melody's Pond. Melody's Pond is only 15 minutes from the center of Bologna. It can be easily reached by bus or train.
WHAT WE DO
Animal-assisted interventions
Melody's Pond, with the invaluable assistance of Poldo and his animal friends, is involved in providing AAI (Animal-Assisted Interventions, more commonly known as Pet Therapy) for individuals with disabilities, those facing psycho-social and emotional-relational issues, including children, adults, and the elderly. Additionally, the center offers recreational activities for preschools, kindergartens, primary, middle, and high schools with the aim of imparting knowledge about the benefits that human-animal relationships can bring.
Poldo and all his animal friends never forget the tremendous power they have in welcoming anyone who visits the center and providing moments of positive emotions, even with just a glance or a simple touch. Furthermore, Poldo and his staff are involved in the canine education and training, following the cognitive zooanthropological approach, which is based on total respect for the dog as an individual with its own identity and mind, formed in relation to its human life companion. Poldo can also accompany you on treks organized for the socialization of dogs, joined by donkeys, amid the green hills surrounding the center.
HOW WE WORK
Bio-psycho-social model
To help all the people and other animal friends who enter their magical world, Poldo and his animal friends have sought the assistance of a multidisciplinary team trained in AAI (Animal-Assisted Interventions) with four co-therapists—an ass, a dog, a cat, and a rabbit—two project managers and intervention coordinators, and an AAI-expert veterinarian. There are also two operators of educational zooanthropology, who strictly adhere to the National Guidelines for AAI and the bio-psycho-social model.
All of this would not be possible without the deep bond that has developed among the members of the large family of animals at Melody's Pond: the big, kind, and ever-present Poldo; the three donkeys; the wise and calm mother, Bianca; her clever son, Fiocco, who can even open locks with his teeth; and the latest addition, the sweet little donkey, Neve. There are also six goats: the tough dad, Semola; the athletic mom, Duilia, and her lively daughter, Elsa; the all-black mom, Nina, and her sociable and company-loving twin children, Iolanda and Anacleto. The inseparable and always united, loving couple consists of the ram, Peppone, and the ewe, Vanda. There's also the shy and empathetic red cat, Frodo.
Poldo also fondly remembers his dog friends, and with the help of dog trainers and instructors, Ilaria and Francesco, they are involved in the growth and education of puppies, as well as the behavioral rehabilitation of adult dogs.
THE EXPERIENCE WE OFFER
In a word: welcome
As soon as he arrived, Poldo understood that he could embark on wonderful adventures with Ilaria and Francesco at Melody's Pond. Getting to know all the other members of the group, he discovered that, despite being different in shape and character, everyone could contribute and be available to people, working with different users. They never forget the valuable assistance of a solid planning of their AAI and the extensive multidisciplinary experience gained by their team.
Poldo and his two- and four-legged pack work together to achieve the set goals for users, supporting each other even in difficult moments. Poldo and his friends wander around Melody's Pond; the giant donkey Fiocco and his sister Neve always follow the sweet mother Bianca. The large family of goats moves together in a herd to reach the tastiest leaves from the over 80 tall trees in the park and forest of the Center. Peppone and his beloved Vanda exchange sweet expressions of affection.
In short, Poldo and all his friends live real adventures filled with play, activities, and moments of relaxation both inside and outside the Center, always remembering that they are fortunate to be among the green and serene hills of Bologna, surrounded by a sweet and peaceful atmosphere.
For dog lovers, our gentle giant Poldo spares no effort, and together with Ilaria and Francesco, who come from experience working in shelters and many years of consulting in private dog ownership, he always waits for the right moment to give advice to his fellow canines or to lighten the mood by throwing everything, literally, into a racket and playing, continuing to communicate something.
What makes Poldo most grateful and happy—and this applies a bit to his human friends too—is hearing people say that when you cross the gate of Melody's Pond, you enter a magical atmosphere, a separate world of tranquility and peace, just 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city of Bologna. The keyword here is hospitality, and therefore, Poldo awaits you with open arms... or paws!