“Alimenta l’Amore: l’approccio responsabile e affettivo di Animali, De Bellis (Coop)”

Alimenta l’Amore and Human Dog 23 aim to emphasize the importance of awareness and responsibility in all aspects of our lives. This message is conveyed through a photographic exhibition held at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, as part of the Alimenta l’Amore campaign by Coop Lombardia in collaboration with local municipalities and associations. The campaign involves a permanent collection of pet food, which is distributed to dogs and cats in need through animal welfare organizations.

Human Dog 23 showcases 40 out of the 160 photographs taken by photographer and journalist Silvia Amodio, capturing the bond between dogs and their owners. This event, now in its ninth edition, has attracted enthusiasts from outside the region. Over the years, thousands of people have participated in the photo shoots, creating a community that includes professionals eager to contribute to the narrative of the human-animal relationship.

“When we started,” says Alfredo De Bellis, Vice President of Coop Lombardia, “our goal was to foster connections among people through their pets.” The project was born from the practical need to raise awareness and promote responsible behavior towards animals. It also aimed to do something tangible for abandoned animals, including dogs and others.

Ten years ago, the project began after meeting people involved in managing stray animals and animal shelters. Over time, it expanded to support individuals who faced financial difficulties in providing for their pets, leading to the heartbreaking decision to abandon them. This, in turn, created psychological issues related to loneliness, as De Bellis explains.

The Alimenta l’Amore initiative has benefitted many organizations over the years, covering various important aspects of people’s lives, from solidarity to affection, ethics, and sustainability. During the exhibition, which is free to visit until October 30th, visitors can purchase a dedicated catalog at the Book Shop of the Castello Sforzesco, with proceeds going to associations that assist animals in need.

Alimenta l’Amore has also fostered a vibrant community, including those who have chosen a plant-based diet out of ethical considerations for the human-animal relationship. Coop has responded to this demand by increasing the availability of ethically and sustainably produced products. Alongside the growing interest in ethical consumption, the fundamental issue of animal welfare and the expression of affection through the Alimenta l’Amore project are also addressed.