CubaPLUS Magazine

Since July 21, 2004, humanity celebrates every year, on the date, the World Day of the Dog, a day of celebration, immense affection and awareness of care and love that we can and should lavish on those unconditional friends, faithful like no one else in this world, with a millenary history accompanying the life of man, woman, family.

It would not be possible to cover the sun with a finger without recognizing that in the world and our surroundings there are little animals that suffer what is described as an authentic &dog life", that is, when they roam abandoned, subsisting at the mercy of charity or public abuse, or worse, treated carelessly or violently by their owners.

For this reason, July 21 is a very special moment of joy and good intentions, which should not be overlooked, personally and communally.

In Cuba that is the call, and the path to follow, especially promoted by the active Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (Aniplant), many sensitive and good people at heart, currently backed by the new Law for Animal Protection, recently approved.

This year, then, the issue has regained relevance and without a doubt the will to give everything for beings who deserve so much love. What to say about the pampered pets in our environment? Loving and expressive like we are the Cubans,  I tell you that the dogs of the house, whether they are the "child's puppy", our grandfather's guide dog, the lonely aunt's companion, the playful joy of the family, they are usually one more member of the clan, with the life of a king for even historical reasons.

Whenever we speak of fidelity, of supreme friendship, of unfailing love, of self-sacrifice, of animal intelligence... there is the sublime example of our Goofy. That pride shares credentials with offspring, which is saying a lot. And now you have more eyes on combating unconscious or intentional cruelty, by increasing moral education about it.

There was a time when big dogs, German shepherds or flashy dalmatians were preferred. That hobby that advocates the pedigree is not criticizable. But every time one sees more of the happiness provided by the humble satos, sausages, Chinese, "bichones habaneros" and other stripes. That is the most beautiful thing about dogs in Cuba today.