A story from Lucca.

Federica.

Have you ever seen the joy in a dog’s eyes when it greets you? Or its gentle expression when it sits beside you, waiting to be petted? 

To me, there is nothing more beautiful in the world. 

My name is Federica, and I’ve been volunteering for years in the province of Lucca. I’ve often taken part in animal-assisted activities. But this time was a bit more special, thanks to IN-HABIT. 

We worked with elderly people who live in two care homes, trying to take back unused shared spaces and create opportunities for dialogue and empathy.

At the centre of this activity were animals - dogs, in particular. If we underestimate their influence on the health and wellbeing of more fragile citizens, we can miss out on many beautiful experiences. 

We wanted to create a “humanimal” city where nature and humans can live in harmony and help each other, and that’s what we did.

The project made a very strong impact on those who were more fragile: taking care of a four-legged friend allowed them to connect with themselves and with each other, stimulating memories and emotions.

One day, we suggested a very simple exercise to the patients: describing or writing on a board their memory of an animal. 

Some very moving stories emerged, entwining past and present. Some relived emotional bonds that had been important to them, others created new ones. 

IN-HABIT has shown us all how health and wellbeing can be truly inclusive, and how nature and more fragile citizens can receive (and give!) the care they deserve.