Here, the spotlight is on our dogs—because this brand isn’t about us; it’s about them.
What is Mannara Bros
The original Mannara Bros are Leroy and Stitch, two Sicilian puppies rescued from a life that could have been very different.
In Sicilian dialect, mannara refers to a sheepfold—a place where sheep and goats are kept. Leroy and Stitch were “cani di mannara”, or “mannara dogs,” which we can loosely call sheepdogs.
Since they were two little brothers, we named them the Mannara Bros. They’re the heart of our story and the inspiration behind our mission: helping all dogs, especially those without “noble descendancy,” like our two pups.
Leroy and Stitch
Born in December 2009, Leroy and Stitch came into a harsh world. The landowner where they were born wanted nothing to do with them and gave the puppies away. At just six weeks old they were separated from their mother far too early.
This rocky start left them with behavioral challenges that tested us in ways we never expected. Despite having experience with dogs, we were unprepared for the avalanche of problems these little ones brought with them.
But we learned. Through trial, patience, and love, Leroy and Stitch grew into the amazing adult dogs they were meant to be.
Why We Do This
Now, we want to ensure all dogs have the chance to live happy, healthy lives. In turn, this brings joy to their owners, creates unbreakable bonds, and fosters a truly beautiful life together.
Stitch
Our beloved Stitch was one of the original Mannara Bros—a brave and protective dog who always looked out for his little brother, Leroy.
Sadly, Stitch passed away in 2022 at the age of 12.
He is, and always will be, deeply loved and cherished.
Leroy
Leroy is the last of the original Mannara Bros, and he’s turning 15 in December 2024!
Of the two, he’s always been the most challenging—our little troublemaker. These days, he’s more of a cheeky demon in an old dog’s body, no longer able to cause much mischief.
Django
Django is a former stray rescued from a sanctuary in Sicily.
He was one of those village dogs allowed to roam freely until he became unwelcome and was taken to be confined. Despite his friendly nature and daily “free air” hour, life in the kennel took a toll on him. By the time he came to us, he was extremely skinny.
Unlike many dogs, Django had the chance to be socialized naturally, without much human interference. Because of this, he’s probably the “easiest” dog we’ve ever had.
Nina
Nina is the first dog of “noble descendancy” we’ve ever had. We’ve always loved the Cane Corso breed and wanted to experience life with one.
The experts believe it’s impossible to lead a Cane Corso without fear, pain, or threats. With Nina, we will prove them wrong.
Finding breeders who truly prioritize the well-being of their dogs over profit was incredibly difficult. After much searching, we chose people who seemed kind and allowed us to visit Nina’s parents—a rare level of transparency. Unfortunately, Nina is a very fearful dog, likely because she wasn’t properly socialized or exposed to many things before leaving her parents.
Despite this, she’s the sweetest puppy we’ve ever had. Her gentle nature reminds us of Stitch, which makes us love her even more.
