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A woman in Holguín had a terrifying experience during a nighttime blackout, and she claims it was her mixed-breed dog, Katira, who saved her.
The testimony, shared by Liagnett Santana on her Facebook account, has caused a stir and prompted reflection on the role of domestic animals in home protection.
"My dog saved me last night during the blackout," Santana wrote, alongside a photo of him hugging the six-year-old dog he adopted as a puppy in the Candongas neighborhood of Reparto Lenin.
His intention in sharing the story, he said, was to raise awareness about the importance of having dogs inside the house, well-fed and cared for, "because that's how they truly save your life."
According to her, on the night of the incident, she was alone, exhausted, and emotionally overwhelmed by her grandmother's illness.
He went to bed without closing either the door or the entrance gate, in complete darkness due to the power outage.
Around 9:30 p.m., while I was awake checking my phone, Katira emerged from under the bed transformed into "a bear" and fiercely charged at something in the kitchen.
“Gentlemen, it was a man sneaking into my house,” said Santana, who recounted that the dog, which usually alerts at the sound of footsteps on the stairs, only reacted when the intruder had already managed to enter the second-floor apartment.
Amidst Santana's shouts and Katira's attack, the man escaped running down the stairs, while neighbors alerted by the cries saw him flee with a backpack.
"Last night, I was saved thanks to a mixed-breed dog that I picked up from the street, but that has always been inside the house," he concluded.
Her post has been widely shared and has generated messages of support and recognition for the value of mixed-breed dogs, often overlooked for not having a "breed."
Over the years, there have been multiple reports of dogs exhibiting extraordinary bravery in protecting their owners in dangerous situations.
On one recorded occasion in Russia, a woman managed to save herself from being assaulted thanks to her dog, which fiercely confronted the attacker. Although the animal was injured after taking the blow meant for the victim, it succeeded in scaring off the assailant.
On another occasion, a stray dog intervened during an attempted robbery of a woman in broad daylight. The dog lunged at the attacker, causing him to flee immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Safety in Cuba During Blackouts and the Role of Pets
How can pets contribute to home security during a blackout in Cuba?
During power outages, pets can be a valuable aid in home security. Dogs, for example, are known for their ability to detect intruders and alert their owners to any threats, as happened with the dog Katira in Holguín, who confronted an intruder during a nighttime blackout, saving her owner.
What security risks do Cubans face during blackouts?
Power outages in Cuba increase the risk of theft and assaults due to the lack of visibility and the limited police presence. Criminals take advantage of the darkness to commit crimes, such as home burglaries and violent assaults, creating a sense of insecurity among the population.
Why is it important to take good care of pets in Cuba?
Taking good care of pets is crucial, as they can be loyal and effective protectors in dangerous situations. Keeping dogs well-fed and indoors can enhance their ability to protect their owners and alert them to potential threats. This is exemplified by the case of Katira, the dog that saved her owner during a blackout in Holguín.
How do power outages affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages in Cuba significantly disrupt daily life, affecting everything from food preparation to personal safety. The lack of electricity limits everyday activities and increases vulnerability to crime, forcing families to adapt to challenging conditions, such as cooking with firewood or relying on alternative light sources.
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