Angela and Bella's Reunion

Angela and Bella's Reunion

In late 2011, I devoted two of these blogs to Bella, a sick little stray dog trying to live on tourists' handouts near Old Havana's Plaza de las Armas. Angela, an animal loving flight attendant from England, spotted her and tried to feed her. She was pretty pitiful, and probably wouldn't have lasted long if no one had helped her.

Angela was on a two day layover in Cuba, so she couldn't do much, but she got on her computer and found us as soon as she got back home. With a rapid reaction from Nora, Bella was found, given food and medical care, and adopted into the group of dogs who live at the Aniplant headquarters. Soon she was well and happy and not hungry anymore. If it had not been for Angela, Bella would certainly have perished.

Well, since then Angela had been angling for another trip with a layover in Cuba, and she finally got one. She and her mom got there in early 2012. After the visit, Angela seems as happy as Bella is. Following is Angela's letter describing her reunion with Bella:

Hello,

Mum & I have just got back from a fantastic trip to Havana. I have been dying to email you both but I had no wifi out there.
On the first day we went to the Aniplant HQ. There was a bit of a language barrier at first but when we mentioned Nora & Bella we were invited in. We were greeted by a pack of happy waggy-tailed gorgeous dogs. It was amazing and quite emotional. Bella was there, looking gorgeous and so healthy. Alo Presidente came over making a fuss - what a lovely dog he is.
Then Nora arrived - she was exactly how I imagined her. We spoke through a translator - explaining the bags of stuff we had brought; a lot of it had belonged to my mum & dads dog Abbie, my mum had washed them all. We brought loads of toys, collar & leads, dog feeding & water bowls but the dogs favourites were the treats!
It took them 30 seconds to realise what the foreign treats were - each dog was different with them. Alo Presidente was taking his and hiding them which appeared to be a smart move until Bella found his hiding place!!!
We went back the following day. It was lovely how welcome we were made to feel. Also we couldn't believe the difference in the place - they are working so hard for the Aniplant anniversary. Nora was showing us the pictures for the wall.
It was quite emotional leaving. I was desperate to bring Bella home again but it was different leaving her this time as I know she is very happy where she is with her pack of friends and she is getting so much love there.
Also we noticed a huge difference in the stray dogs on the street in just 16 months. Last time we saw one dog on a lead - this time we saw 20+. The things that did upset us though were the thin horses standing most of the time without water and on one main street were people selling extremely young puppies in small cages and birds. I noted the street this was happening on but I don't suppose anything can be done about that?
I have loads of photos & videos to email but I haven't uploaded them yet. I just wanted to email and say a huge thank you again for Bella or 'Belia' as she is known there! And to say how lovely Nora and the rest of the people out there, not forgetting the four legged friends. We can't wait to go back!

Best wishes,

Angela

Les' note: No blog next week—I'm going to Cuba to take part in Aniplant's 25th anniversary celebration on March 4, 2012. More after I return.

Les Inglis