Meet Cecil Johnson

Cecil's path to the Volpino Italiano began not in Italy, but at home when he and his wife started looking for a new dog. While researching breeds, his wife came across the Volpino online. Intrigued, she reached out to the president of the Volpino Club of America, and that connection set Cecil on a path he never expected.

When Cecil purchased his first Volpino, a puppy named Annetta, he instantly fell in love. Watching a video of her litter, Cecil swears she seemed drawn to him through the screen — a sign she was meant to be his. She was flown out to him, and from that day, their journey began. Soon after, Cecil was given another Volpino to breed with Annetta, and later rescued another, deepening his commitment to the breed.

For the past nine years, Cecil has been an active member of the Volpino Club of America, and for over five years, he's been breeding these rare and loving dogs. He is passionate about placing each puppy in a forever home where they will be cherished, never ending up in a shelter. To Cecil, Volpinos are more than pets — they are loyal companions who sense their owners' emotions, follow them from room to room, and serve as vigilant protectors of the home.

In memory of his beloved Giovanni, Cecil transformed his home into a dedicated Volpino sanctuary, complete with a safe enclosure and open space for the dogs to roam freely. His sanctuary also offers temporary shelter for dogs in need, ensuring that every Volpino — and any other dog who passes through his doors — experiences compassion, care, and a true sense of belonging.