(See related)
(ANSA) - Rome, February 3 - He came, he saw, he scratched
behind his ear.
'Briciola', the canine mascot of the mounted Carabinieri
police, brought some moments of lightness Tuesday to the pomp of
the formal, red-carpet ceremony welcoming Italy's newly elected
President Sergio Mattarella to his Quirinale palace.
The small rescue dog, wearing a vest bearing a symbol of
the mounted police, kept a close eye on the honour guard during
the ceremony.
He was adopted eight months ago by the mounted corp to
replace the previous mascot, Lady.
Mascot 'Briciola' welcomes new president
Dog joins heads of State and government on red carpet