La coda di Ulisse
IN Massafra (taranto)
ABOUT US
A project of love
But did Ulysses really have a tail? In a way, yes. A very special friend, a bit stubborn but very generous, taught his friend Anna, his life companion, how a wag of the tail can go beyond... where words cannot reach. That dog was named Ulysses and was the first co-therapist who accompanied Anna during her visits to fragile people. His name was inspired by the mythical Odysseus, and in the legend, the first to recognize this hero upon his return to Ithaca was his faithful four-legged friend who greeted him by wagging his tail. That wag of the tail represents the invisible and unbreakable bond that ties Argo to his owner and that will forever unite Ulysses with his homeland, his dearest affections, and his true self! Like that tail... Ulysses' tail represents that "emotional bridge" that connects the animal to humans and brings together many professionals, all firmly convinced of the benefits derived from the human-animal and environment relationship. Ulysses' tail is not just an association; it is a project of love, a life project!
THE FARM
The first inclusive park in the south
Ulisse becomes a guide and magically, sitting on his hind legs, transforms into a true path to lead the guest into his magical world, the Park of Ulisse. The concept, designed by Arch. Mariagrazia Giardinelli Ph.D., fully embraces the philosophy of La Coda di Ulisse and stems from the floor plan reproduction of the silhouette of the dog Ulisse, present in our logo, which envelops and defines the main functional areas in an organic space, using local, renewable, and recyclable materials according to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach.
The emotional part of the Park, the Animal-Assisted Interventions (IAA) Center, focuses on the head of the dog defined using natural materials and local vegetation. Inside it, the exclusive GEOdetic dome rises, reminiscent of the shape of the Earth, in perfect connection with nature. Ulisse's body corresponds to the Dog Fitness area and includes equipment to facilitate the physical and mental activity of dogs inspired by the famous Agility Dog courses but can be safely used by non-competitive users as well.
Ulisse's tail transforms into a unique sensory path that will lead young guests to the educational and recreational area under the shade of majestic ancient olive trees. This area consists of wooden attractions from England and Northern Europe, inspired by the so-called forest kindergartens.
But the Park of Ulisse still has more surprises! To the south, a new wing opens... the inclusive sports area equipped with adventure courses, balance paths, climbing wall, fitness area for adults, and a pedal go-kart track. The Park of Ulisse can thus be defined as the first park in southern Italy entirely dedicated to the human-animal-environment relationship, for a comprehensive approach to One-Health and One-Welfare.
WHAT WE DO
The culture of beneficial interaction with animals
Our motto is IAA in science and conscience, but that's not all... because there is much more to discover together! In the name of the beloved Ulisse, Anna had dreamed of a Park that would host the IAA Center and the Canine Center. But in the meantime... an unexpected surprise appeared... a new baby was about to be born into the large family of La Coda di Ulisse, and so Massimo, Anna's husband, began to look at the Park with the eyes of a child! It was decided, therefore, to enhance the Park with the "Outdoor Education" area, where all children could experience activities in nature. But then came Covid, and the Park's inauguration was postponed. Anna and Massimo did not lose heart and took advantage of this "pause" period to make the Park of Ulisse even more beautiful and to continue laying the groundwork for new projects beneficial to the entire community. Right after the first wave, everything was ready to start, and finally, the ribbon was officially cut, but in the meantime, a new project was already in the works! In addition to IAA, canine activities, and educational recreational activities in nature, the Park of Ulisse was preparing to host social sports, and in June 2022, the inclusive equipped sports area, dedicated to little Tommy Onofri, was inaugurated.
HOW WE WORK
Team
Ulisse was our first teacher, and with his spontaneity and stubbornness, he taught a lot to his life companion Anna. However, destiny had it that Anna would later encounter the sweet Twister, a stray dog in her city. He was found by Massimo on Christmas Eve in the rain and with a fractured paw. Anna, who is also a veterinarian, immediately took charge of his care and welcomed him into her family. No one would have imagined that the battered and limping dog would one day become the new four-legged colleague of the La Coda di Ulisse family, as well as a wise playmate for the human family's little ones. Twister, with his funny swaying walk that inspired his name, his empathy, and his sweetness, has brought many smiles to children and young people in difficulty. Thanks to him, the La Coda di Ulisse team took its first real steps in the magical and, at the same time, delicate world of IAA. He was an excellent co-educator for new aspiring four-legged doctors. Twister fully embodies our true mission because we promote the health and well-being of people through Animal-Assisted Interventions, offering an authentic and pure relationship!
THE EXPERIENCE WE OFFER
Immersive experience
The IAA center, the "emotional" part of the park, thanks to the presence of natural elements and local vegetation, allows the user to have a unique perceptual and sensory experience in harmony with nature. In winter, the GEOdetic dome welcomes guests inside with its soft shapes reminiscent of Mother Nature. The dynamic area is dedicated to the "well-being on six legs" and includes sports equipment inspired by Agility Dog. The little guests, following a sensory path that reflects the seasons, reach the educational and playful area where they will participate in green workshops, under the shade of majestic centuries-old olive trees.