Luigi's story begins on the gritty streets of Padua in northern Italy, where Dana has just eloped with her study-abroad boyfriend, Roberto. Luigi saunters into their lives and hearts. His antics soon have them scrambling from one adventure to another - into Italian neighbors' balconies, onto international flights, and up and down the California coast.

Luigi evolves from a silly pet into an integral part of their family. He becomes the best friend to their two rambunctious sons, a rescue dog and cat, and even their flock of backyard hens. Together they overcome adversity, including a California megafire and mudslide, and her husband's terrible accident and brain tumor removal. Along the way, Luigi grounds their family and teaches them resiliency and unconditional love.

For anyone who has ever loved an animal, dreamt of life in Italy, or is eager for an escape from the day-to-day grind, Luigi will sweep you away on a young family's journey and leave your heart a little fuller.