Susanna’s love for cats

Susanna lives alone in Genoa. She has always been alone throughout her life. In my neighbourhood, she’s known as “la gattara”—the cat lady—because she loves caring for the stray cats that live on the streets. She feeds them, and now she even takes them to the vet to be treated and sterilised. She once told me, “In my childhood, I lost everything—my family, my home. After that, I was treated badly—very badly. But I never allowed it to change who I am or destroy me completely. That’s why I love taking care of cats. They need love, and I have love to give.” In 2011 I attended a workshop with Melissa Farlow, in Genoa. I was 9 months pregnant with my daughter at that time. Melissa encouraged me to follow this story, and I am grateful for that. With Susanna we are now friends. And my daughter loves cats too.