2024 brought with it news we would have preferred not to receive, but also events full of empathy that have left their mark. Let’s retrace, from the most recent to the least recent, 10 episodes that made a positive contribution to a year that, in many ways, proved complex.
Lea, the “bodyguard dog” against diabetes
In the midst of the Christmas atmosphere, some news sparked enthusiasm: Lea, a two and a half year old Labrador, saved the life of Michele, a boy with diabetes, by sensing a hypoglycemic crisis in advance and alerting his parents. It is part of a project financed by the Tuscany Region, which trains dogs capable of perceiving chemical variations before a critical episode, warning with conventional signals. Soon another four labradors – Fata, Fiaba, Fiore and Futura – will be entrusted to families of children with diabetes, giving them greater serenity and autonomy. A true “Christmas miracle” for those who live every day with this pathology.
The roe deer in the Reggio area
In the Reggio Emilia area, on the snowy roads, a roe deer in obvious difficulty was noticed by the staff of the Matildico Refuge. The animal was lying motionless and may have suffered injuries after slipping off a cliff. The team immediately decided to stop and help himthen transporting it to the Wild Animal Recovery Centre. The video of the intervention, shared on social media, garnered support and appreciation, confirming how a small gesture can make the difference for a life in danger.
“Christmas Balls” and the Pediatric Oncology of Milan
This year too, it is back in the limelight.”Christmas Balls (Smile, It’s Christmas Day)”, the song created in 2016 by the children being treated at the National Cancer Institute in Milan. The project, which is renewed every year, raises funds forBianca Garavaglia Association and gives a moment of sharing to those who are forced to spend the holidays in hospital. The song talks about the desire to live and resilience, remembering how important it is to support each other in the most difficult moments.
Pickles and solidarity at Boston Children’s Hospital
Al Boston Children’s Hospitaleight-year-old Emerson Bayse is waiting for a heart transplant and loves savory flavors. The hospital chef, learning of her passion for pickles, decided to teach her how to prepare them. What was supposed to be a simple laboratory turned into a “pickle party,” involving patients and staff. It was a moment of leisure in a demanding hospital context, combined with a gesture of great sensitivity that allowed Emerson to cultivate his culinary curiosity.
The “Il Vagabondo” kennel flooded in Sasso Marconi
In the Bologna area, the insistent October rains flooded the kennel “The Wanderer”. An appeal launched via social media generated an immediate chain of solidarity: volunteers and donors took action to shovel mud, transport food and offer temporary stalls to the dogs. Unfortunately, a small disabled dog did not survive, but the rescue operation made it possible to bring the other guests of the shelter to safety. In just a few hours, collective help has given new impetus to a place brought to its knees by bad weather.
Golondrina, the mare saved from the slaughterhouse
In Spain, Golondrina it was destined for slaughter due to the economic crisis which had made the maintenance of many horses onerous. The intervention of Marcos Moreno Martinez he literally rescued her from the slaughter, offering her care and a safe space. Golondrina, initially wary, has rediscovered her trust in humans. This transformation was made known on social media, where the story affected many people and showed how the dedication of an individual can overturn an already sealed destiny.
Two cacti “kiss” in Arizona
In the middle of summer, a suggestive photo began to circulate: two saguaro cacti from the Arizona desert which, due to their perspective and shape, appear to be kissing. The shot, taken by photographer Ken Carter, went viral in a short time, inviting us to reflect on how nature can surprise with unexpected shapes and textures. The location remains deliberately secret to avoid a tourist assault potentially harmful to the plants.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers support stray dogs
In the midst of their summer tour, the well-known rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers visited several kennels in the United States and Canada, promoting the adoption of abandoned animals. On social media they shared photos with puppies looking for a family and invited fans to donate or dedicate time to volunteering. It was an effective way to combine music, media visibility and concrete attention towards dogs awaiting adoption.
The Beach of Values in Punta Marina Terme (Ravenna)
Always in the summer period, the so-called “Values Beach” of Punta Marina Terme has become a permanent structure, with stations and services dedicated to people with even serious disabilities. Designed by Debora Donati after her personal experience with her husband with ALS, this inclusive beach is an example of how break down architectural barriers and offer everyone the opportunity to enjoy the sea safely. Free for those with disabilities, the structure recorded over a thousand visitors in the last summer period.
Solovino, the turtle-friendly dog
In July, from the coast of Miramar (Tamaulipas, Mexico) came the story of Solovino, an abandoned dog who began to “guard” sea turtles during egg-laying. Reported by residents, it was then adopted and renamed Solovinoquickly becoming a phenomenon on local social media. Its presence has protected several broods from predators and onlookers, confirming that even a homeless dog can contribute to the protection of animals in difficulty.
Managing emergencies such as a flood in a shelter or inventing a “pickle party” in a hospital seem like small actions, but they produce concrete and they demonstrate that solidarity is always an option. 2024 thus leaves us not only with a balance of problems, but also tangible evidence of how, if we want, we are capable of taking care of each other and the world around us.
