For schools in Tertenia:
Sempre a un passo da te. (Always one step away from you.) The story of a girl’s rebirth thanks to her dog
Sophie Bertocchi
There’s no reason to be sad: Emma has lots of friends, she’s doing well in school, and she’s just returned from a year of study abroad in the United States, a year filled with experiences. But sadness creeps into her head and won’t leave, it takes root in her body and makes her constantly tired. It doesn’t do much good for friends and family to encourage her to smile, ask her what’s wrong, or shower her with attention and love. It’s no use, because depression and borderline personality disorder aren’t something you choose, and they’re difficult to overcome. But there’s hope of overcoming them, through a long and challenging treatment process, and what’s more, she appears to Emma in the form of a fluffy little furball: Viola, a puppy she found on the street who, from the moment they met, will never leave her side, sharing an intense and sweet adventure with her, thus becoming the first dog specialized in psychiatric assistance in Italy. Because a dog gives you the strength and motivation to take care of him, and therefore of yourself. And it can teach us that we can get up again from every fall.
Sophie Bertocchi
She was born in 1997 and a few years ago received a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and depression. Since then, she has been committed to education and activism regarding mental health issues, sharing in particular the story of her relationship with Rose, the first ADI (Assistance Dog International) certified psychiatric assistance dog in Italy. You can follow Sophie and Rose on their Instagram page @help.me.rose.
