Cover Story James Guiliani The Dogfella by Barbara Jayne
I met James Guiliani in his Bensonhurst Brooklyn neighborhood known as the “Little Italy” of Brooklyn in the fall of 2015. I had never been to Bensonhurst, though my family has roots on New York’s lower east side and parts of Brooklyn. I had only known Manhattan my entire middle aged life. But getting off the train at my destination that evening; I felt decidedly at home. Who would not feel at home among the full tree-lined Brooklyn streets with the mist of the nearby bay evident with every breath. I felt I had entered another world. And I had. Bensonhurst which now boasts so much ethnic diversity, still oozes its definitive heritage and a past that sits in anticipation on every doorstep... A past that I recognized immediately as “uniquely Italian.” James didn’t know I would be stopping by that particular evening as I wanted to see him being him. Me bad? I had heard about his popular “Diamond Collar” Pet boutique on 13th Avenue as well as his past association and show on the “Oprah Channel”. Most importantly, I had heard about his book “DOGFELLA” which is the true story of the “reinvention” of his life. We had chatted on the phone and I thought “I must meet this James,” A dog changed his life and I related. We have something in common.” When I entered the “Diamond Collar” one of Jame’s big dogs slowly raised himself from the floor. I was amazed just how big this “Big Boy” was. James .. Well James was “James”.. Very NY, imposing, handsome in a cute gangsta sort of way, friendly, very Italian and totally down to earth with a heart of gold when it comes to his dogs.
James took me on his errands around the neighborhood that evening and I must say as an outsider he certainly seemed like the “King” of Bensonhurst to me. Everyone knows and loves this man “James Guiliani.” The shop owners fawn over him while he picks out just the right meal from main course to side dishes and dessert to bring home to the love of his life “Lena” who isn’t feeling well tonight. We stop at a cafe for a quick macchiato which he orders for me canceling my “Americano” because he can’t let me order an “imitation Italian coffee”! Who knew?! I guess that’s why it’s called “Americano”.. But dare I complain? Not a chance. I am enjoying the show! And what a show it is.. We drive down the street in Jame’s SUV with other cars honking along the way and guys hanging out of cars greeting this man .. stopping here and there for a hug, quick hello or chat to pay homage. Like I said, James is like “King” of Bensonhurst.. And I had the pleasure of going along for the ride. It took 20 minutes to go 10 blocks! But things were not always so swell for James. James used to be a street guy, a local mobster, he had drug problems and he felt alone. A mess. He was unhappy, unloved and life had him down and going down. And then James almost died.. But two great things changed what could have easily been the end of James Guiliani’s story. He called a suicide hotline where his soulmate Lena was the angel on the other side of the phone and he met a dog named “Bruno”.. A dog that needed him. A dog that gave him the reason to be. Perhaps
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