Every great idea starts as a dream, and Puppicino began as one in the heart of a young teenager named Lia—known today far and wide as Crazy Auntie Lia. And yes, she wears that name like a badge of honour.

Back in the 1980s, Lia imagined dog cafés and a special little drink for dogs. Everyone around her thought she was, well… a little mad. “Who would want a dog cappuccino?” they asked. So the dream was tucked away, patiently waiting for the right time. Life carried on: Lia had a family, explored countless careers, and faced her own set of ups and downs—but that little spark never went out.

Years later, during one of life’s toughest moments, Lia called a friend in tears. “Come to me,” she said. “Go back to what you love. The animals—they make you smile.” And she did. Returning to grooming and caring for animals, however that old dream—the Puppicino idea—refused to let go.

 

As a perfectionist, Lia experimented tirelessly, tweaking and testing until she got it just right. What younger generations call “R&D,” she called trial, error, and persistence. And eventually…

Puppicino was born!

At first, it was just for her dog Ruby and a few friends. But soon, friends of friends were asking for it too. The demand grew, and before long, Lia was selling Puppicino at pet stores and events, officially launching it to the public at Million Paws Walk in 2012.

Life, of course, had more challenges in store. Lia was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, a rare and aggressive form. She was given just 12 months to live. The treatment—massive doses of chemotherapy and radiation—was grueling. Through it all, her steadfast companion was Ruby, her beloved British Bulldog. Together, they fought through the toughest battle of her life.

Tragically, Ruby later succumbed to the same cancer—what Lia calls her “crazy dog lady story,” Ruby “took the bullet” for her—but not before helping Lia raise $20,000 for PA Cancer Research through Bark Off Cancer. Even in loss, Ruby and the furbabies left a legacy.

A year later, Lia’s daughter moved to Brisbane and encouraged her: “Mum, this is amazing. You need to make this official.” And so L’Barkery was born, starting with just one flavor of Puppicino, and a few dog treats.

By 2015, the new-look Puppicino launched at the Ekka. Lia and her daughter traveled every market, every event, building the brand from the ground up. People laughed at the idea of a dog cappuccino—but once they tried it, the following grew and grew. Loyal pet parents became lifelong fans, some even traveling interstate to enjoy Puppicino and L’Barkery products. Lia remains deeply grateful to every one of them.

Puppicino has since become an icon in the pet industry, leading L’Barkery into innovations no one had done before: Paw Blonde Pawroni beers, Barkeraide, Gelato, Jellies, Smoothies, and fun, creative sundaes. Fun, Lia says, is always the most important ingredient.

Today, Puppicino is trademarked in Australia and the USA, and although many try to copy it, Lia remains fiercely protective of her original creation. What started as a teen’s whimsical idea has become a celebrated symbol of fun, love, and the joy pets bring into our lives.
And it all started with a little girl, a big dream, and her dog Ruby by her side.