A Handful of Happiness: How a Prickly Creature Softened a Prickly Heart

Massimo Vacchetta
Rodale Books • 2018

A feel-good memior of a man and his hedgehog Massimo Vacchetta, an Italian veterinarian specializing in large animals, is recently divorced and feeling heartbroken and depressed—until the day that som...omeone brings an orphaned baby hedgehog into his clinic. As the tiny hedgehog cries and whimpers, Massimo immediately understands the extent of the animal’s vulnerability and isolation. Recognizing her helplessness and desperation in himself, he connects with her in a way he’s never connected with any other animal.In caring for this hedgehog, Massimo uncovers her vibrant personality, and rediscovers his own. Soon, another sick hedgehog lands in his lap. And then another. As people begin to seek him out to heal and care for their injured or orphaned animals, Massimo finally discovers his life’s mission.As other sick hedgies are healed and released, Massimo continues to dote on Ninna like a child, constantly fretting about her health and happiness, caring about her in a way he’s never cared about anyone or anything else. But the cage that once kept her safe soon becomes a prison, and as much as it breaks Massimo's heart to let her go, he knows she longs to be free.Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that no love is too great and no creature is too small.
Viac

Ako vám môže zmeniť život jeden malý drobček vážiaci len 25 gramov? Veľmi. O tom sa presvedčil aj veterinár Massimo, ktorý pomaly strácal zmysel svojej existencie. Nevedel, na čo je predurčený. Nemal pocit, že to, čo robí, ho napĺňa. Ako veterinár sa špecializoval na dobytok. Nikdy by si ani nepomyslel, že sa v jeho rukách ocitne také krehké stvorenie, ako je ježko. Vôbec netušil, ako by sa[...]

A feel-good memior of a man and his hedgehog

Massimo Vacchetta, an Italian veterinarian specializing in large animals, is recently divorced and feeling heartbroken and depressed—until the day that someone brings an orphaned baby hedgehog into his clinic. As the tiny hedgehog cries and whimpers, Massimo immediately understands the extent of the animal’s vulnerability and isolation. Recognizing her helplessness and desperation in himself, he connects with her in a way he’s never connected with any other animal.

In caring for this hedgehog, Massimo uncovers her vibrant personality, and rediscovers his own. Soon, another sick hedgehog lands in his lap. And then another. As people begin to seek him out to heal and care for their injured or orphaned animals, Massimo finally discovers his life’s mission.

As other sick hedgies are healed and released, Massimo continues to dote on Ninna like a child, constantly fretting about her health and happiness, caring about her in a way he’s never cared about anyone or anything else. But the cage that once kept her safe soon becomes a prison, and as much as it breaks Massimo's heart to let her go, he knows she longs to be free.

Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that no love is too great and no creature is too small.