by Alessandra Ressa
In the quiet, forested hills of Monte Prat, Friuli Venezia Giulia, a powerful story of compassion and resilience unfolded last May—one that has captured the hearts of many in Trieste and beyond. At the center of this story is Alessandra Ressa, a Trieste journalist, speleologist and dedicated teacher, whose instincts and empathy led her to save a life most would have overlooked.
It was just outside the door of her secluded home in the forest that Alessandra came upon a frail, emaciated cat—barely breathing, clearly in immense pain, and near certain death. While others might have turned away, Alessandra saw in the cat’s eyes a flicker of life worth fighting for. She named him Rodolfo, like the romantic poet of Puccini’s opera La Bohéme. Her other two cats, Mimì and Musetta, had also been named after the two female characters of that opera,.
Rodolfo’s condition was dire. Severely malnourished, suffering from multiple infections and fractures, and with advanced kidney disease, his chances of survival were slim. Apparently, he had been abandoned at least three years earlier on this uninhabited plateau at the foot of Carnia’s Alps and since then had lived in the wild. But Alessandra refused to give up. She transported him to Trieste whee she works, where he began receiving emergency care from a compassionate Spanish veterinarian, Jesus Catalan, whose expertise and generosity proved to be a lifeline.
Catalan, moved by the story and Rodolfo’s will to live, provided not only medical care but ongoing guidance in managing Rodolfo’s complex needs. Being Catalan himself an opera lover, he wanted for once a happy ending to this real life feline drama.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Word of Rodolfo’s struggle spread through Trieste, and soon, an entire community rallied behind him. Over 100 Triestini, from all walks of life, united to support Rodolfo’s recovery. Financial contributions poured in to cover his expensive treatments and special food. Volunteers offered transportation to vet appointments (Alessandra had just gone through surgery of her right hand and could not drive), emotional support and a wealth of advice and solidarity.
For many, Rodolfo became more than just a cat—he became a symbol of hope, kindness, and the good that still exists in the world. His journey has sparked an outpouring of collective empathy, and in a city often known for its quiet reserve, a beautiful network of care has blossomed around this once-forgotten animal.
Now residing in Alessandra’s home in Trieste, Rodolfo is far from the edge of death where he was found. His road to recovery remains long and delicate—his health still fragile—but he is surrounded by love, expert care, and a fierce sense of belonging.
Alessandra remains humbled by the experience. “I found Rodolfo, but Trieste saved him,” she often says, acknowledging the communal effort that has made Rodolfo’s survival possible.
Rodolfo’s story is a reminder of the power of small acts of kindness and the ripple effect they can have. In saving one life, Alessandra inadvertently ignited a movement—an inspiring example of how a single compassionate gesture can awaken the collective heart of a city.
And for Alessandra Ressa, Rodolfo isn’t just a cat—he’s family, a living symbol of hope, and proof that no life is too small to matter. To support Rodolfo, https://www.gofundme.com/f/aiutami-a-salvare-rodolfo
