LIVIGNO, Italy – Like a proud parent, young Alessandro Barbieri searched his phone, eager to show off his pride and joy.
“So many snowboard videos,” he said impatiently, scrolling through. “I want my cat.”
To know Barbieri, only 17 and nearing his Olympic debut for Team USA, is to know Bella.
She is a 3-year-old Maine Coon cat. Beautiful and expensive. Gray and white. A whopping 17 pounds, and tall enough to reach Barbieri’s waist when she stretches, he said.
Before long, Barbieri found Bella in his phone. He holds up a photo. Then another of her curled up, almost posing with her head upside down.
