08/27/2026
Pina is not just an animal. She is Paola Bruzzesi's neighbor and friend in Orvieto, Italy, where Paola has lived and worked for two years at the beautiful Neohumanist project Piccolo Seme.
In Paola's words:
"With Pina and the other animals that live there, we understand each other with our gaze, with the simple flow of our breathing.
One afternoon, walking through the countryside, Pina approached me and rested her head on my chest. She stayed there for a moment. I sensed she wanted to tell me something. In my ignorance, I just remained present for her, without understanding what she might need.
The next afternoon, I felt my heart expand, wanting to embrace the mystery revealed before my eyes: next to Pina was a small newborn.
In the midst of the emotion, I understood that the previous afternoon, Pina had perhaps sought that same company, that presence every mother finds in her closest circle to accompany the mystery of giving birth to new life.
As I approached to meet her newborn, Pina brought her head toward me, as if wanting to present her to me, sharing with me that miracle.
Thank you, Pina, for that magical moment. Thank you for touching my soul with the blessing of your presence in my life."
This is what it means to love beyond the human circle: to be present, even when we do not fully understand, and to receive the trust of another being as a gift.
Has an animal ever communicated something to you without words?
✦ Share your story in the comments.
