Monaco Paws: Dapper Man, Dapper Dog

Monaco Paws was delighted have the chance to chat with Alexander Kraft and meet his Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Bertram Wilberforce Wooster Kraft, otherwise known as Bertie. Mr Kraft, originally from Germany, is the Chairman & CEO of Sothebyā€™s Realty for France and Monaco

Mr Kraft and Bertie, after the novels of P.G. Woodhouse, came to our attention via Instagram (@alexander.kraft) where daily postings of the pair keep his 36,000 plus followers coming back for more each day. Photo: Kaidi Photography
Mr Kraft and Bertie, after the novels of P.G. Wodehouse, came to our attention via Instagram (@alexander.kraft) where daily postings of the pair keep his 36,000 plus followers coming back for more each day. Photo: Kaidi Photography

You seem to live the definition of a jet-set lifestyle. How well does Bertie keep up?
He comes with my wife and me everywhere. He travels 6 to 12 times per year on the plane, but we have a good routine now. He goes in his cage with his favourite blanket and one of my polo shirts. Otherwise heā€™s in the car with us and comes to the office each day, for 8 to 12 hours. He lives like we do.
Did he need much training to adapt to your lifestyle?
We were very strict with him for the first 18 months. It set the tone. He can be very stubborn, but mostly he is very calm now. He really needs a good run everyday and we play a lot in the mornings and evenings.
Does Bertie have any other dog friends?
When we arrive at our country house in Provence on Friday nights, there are at least four of the neighbourhood dogs waiting by the door. They spend the weekends with us. Bertie gets slightly jealous if I give the other dogs belly rubs. He will go under the sofa to protest.
Of all of your homes, where does Bertie like it the most?
He loves when we go to Palm Beach. He can run and run and chases the kite surfers along the shore.
In addition to your love of dogs, you have an intense love of fashion. Where did that come from?
I have always been passionate about fashion and style. I think I got it from my grandfather. I inherited over 30 suits from him, and 200 cigars.
You serve as a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, as well as being the exclusive brand ambassador for Cifonelli, the famous tailors in Paris. Is Bertie included in these projects?
He has done a lot of photo shoots with me. Sometime people want the whole ā€œKraft packageā€, so that includes Bertie too.
Does Bertie have much clothing of his own?
He has couple of Ralph Lauren coats for winter, but unlike his father, he doesnā€™t really like to wear clothes.
Do you think that every gentleman should have a dog?
Well, Iā€™ve never met a bad person with a dog. I think it is generally a sign of good character.
How do you describe your personal style?
I believe in classic style. I try to educate men that style and elegance do not have to be uncomfortable. Iā€™ve brought back the three-piece suit with a double-breasted waistcoat. But I think my trademark is a just a very nice suit with lots of dog hair all over it.
Monaco Paws is a collaboration between writer Siri Trang Khalsa and photographer Kaidi-Katariin Knox. Follow on Instagram @stkmonaco and @art.of.an.eye or contact monacopaws@gmail.com
Photo: KaidiPhotography
Photo: KaidiPhotography

Man's Best Man

Screen Shot 2016-09-26 at 3.52.32 PMMonaco Paws recently spent a sunny afternoon getting to know Diana Gabriel, Steve Myro and their very handsome Boxer-Lab mix, Barney.
Where did you get Barney?
We got him from a pet shop in north Montreal. He was a mutt and a good deal, just $399. Sometimes we tell people he was a rescue (because of the bad reputation of pet shops). We like to think we rescued him from the pet shop.
How did Barney get his name?
We didnā€™t name him at first. Steve wasnā€™t sure he wanted to keep him because he was so messy at the beginningĀ Ā  But one day Steve just started calling him Barney, so then I knew he was here to stay.
How did Barney manage the transition from Montreal to Monaco?
He likes it here and we take him everywhere we go in Monaco. Still, he does miss his big dog friends from Canada.
What does Barney like to do?
He loves to sniff.Ā Ā  He needs to run a lot, but itā€™s hard to find places here where there is enough space for him to really run freely.
What do you feed him?
We started with kibble, but have now switched to a totally raw food diet. Itā€™s much better for him and his health has improved a lot. But we canā€™t source it here, so we get it shipped in from Montreal. He also gets organic cinnamon treats. Thereā€™re really good, Iā€™ve tried them (Steve).
Is Barney well trained?
When we got him he knew the word ā€œsitā€. To this day thatā€™s still all he knows.Ā Ā  He hates cats and will chase them ruthlessly.
Is he a good guard dog?
He barks when anyone rings the doorbell, but otherwise he is not protective or aggressive at all.
Do you think he is a smart dog?
Not really, but he is very intuitive. He knows when we have a fight and comes over to comforts us.
Whatā€™s the best thing about Barney?
He is always happy. No mood swingsā€¦like us.
Was Barney really the Best Man at your wedding?
Yes, he wore a bow tie and Steve held on to him during the vows. He is in all the wedding photos too.
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Monaco Paws: The Rescued and the Rescuers

 

The dog days of summer have arrived and Monaco Paws is back on the street. Big dogs are not commonly seen around Monaco, but this week we had the chance to meet the beautiful Hound called Max and his owners Dr Pierre Burghgraeve and his son Raphael.

Max the Hound with his owners, Dr Pierre Burghgraeve and his son Raphael
Max the Hound with his owners, Dr Pierre Burghgraeve and his son Raphael

Why did you decide to get a dog?
The kids had recently lost their Grandmother and they were very sad. They had wanted a dog for a very long time.
Where did you get Max?
We rescued him from Le refuge de La Conca, located in Tourrette Levens. (Tel: 04 93 91 01 13).
Why was Max at the dog shelter?
He was bred to be a hunting dog, but he was not suited to it. He is scared of everything, but we got a nice feeling from him and we loved his big ears.
How has Max adjusted to life in Monaco?
We take him for long walks, at least 2 hours a day. As he can never be alone he comes everywhere with us.
So you bring him to your office and on house calls?
Yes, Max always comes to work with me and my patients love him. He is really friendly with everyone. When I donā€™t bring him on house calls, people ask for him.
Do you think that dogs aid the healing process?
They can feel how we feel. Dogs often make people smile and feel a bit better.
Does Max have any special training?
We tried, but it never works. I think he was too traumatised when he was a puppy. He goes into a complete panic if we leave him home alone.
Does Max like to swim?
He hates water, really, he is scared of everything.
What does he like to eat?
We cook meat and rice for him. We tried everything but itā€™s the only thing he will eat.
Max is really gentle and calm now. Do you think he has recovered a bit from his previous environment?
As long as he is with us, he is happy… and so are we.
Monaco Paws is a collaboration between writer Siri Trang Khalsa and photographer Kaidi-Katariin Knox. Follow on Instagram @stkmonaco and @art.of.an.eye or contact monacopaws@gmail.com