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Lobito, a beloved street dog in the Narváez promenade of Matanzas, recently passed away after being struck by a door that came loose, according to reports from local workers.
His death has caused dismay among neighbors and animal rights activists, who regarded him as part of the environment of the Matanzas boulevard.
Roly, who had cared for him for years, was his protector and friend, as recalled by activist Arielys Pérez on Facebook, while sharing an emotional message on behalf of the animal rights community.
Lobito arrived at the shelter with a neck wound and a drooping ear, marked by mistreatment. Little by little, thanks to Roly's care and affection, he overcame his mistrust and won everyone's heart.
“Roly not only became his caregiver; he was his friend, his family, and his refuge,” wrote Arielys, who added: “Every touch from Roly was a step toward healing.”
Lobito was rescued by animal welfare activists in Matanzas when he was a puppy, and although they tried to find him a home, he never adapted.
He preferred to roam the streets of the boulevard and play with the bar patrons, who fed and petted him.
He had free access to various venues and became a regular among tourists, children, and workers.
His death was not the only painful event. After the accident, Lobito was thrown into the river without Roly being informed, which caused even more outrage among those who cared for him.
"It was a devastating blow; not only had he lost his dear friend, but he had also been denied the right to decide on his burial," lamented the shared message.
The animal rights community publicly thanked Roly for the love and care he gave to Lobito, and reiterated its commitment to the protection of street animals in Matanzas.
"Lobito will always be remembered as the warrior who found love amid suffering. His legacy will live on in each of us," concludes the tribute.
Lobito survived abuse and poisoning, becoming a symbol of tenderness in Matanzas
Before being known as Lobito, he was just an injured puppy, nameless, with a rope embedded in his neck and one ear hanging down, an anonymous victim of street violence, reported the government-aligned Cubadebate in an article shared in 2023.
On that October 5, 2022, when the volunteer Dahli found him bleeding in the arms of a young woman in La Vigía Square, the story began of a dog that would become a symbol of resilience and tenderness on Narváez Avenue in Matanzas.
Survivor of the noose, poison, distemper, and several failed adoption attempts, Lobito was rescued by a chain of caring hands: first Yuya Abreu, the veterinarian who operated on him free of charge; then the volunteers from the Esperanza Atenas Animal Welfare Network, who cared for, fed, and protected him.
Over time, Lobito became a beloved character of the Matanzas boulevard.
He trotted freely between bars and restaurants, chased scooters, licked unsuspecting ankles, and sought affection with a blend of mischief and sincerity.
He avoided being touched on the neck, but if he liked you, he would let you scratch his belly like a child who recognized affection without understanding the words.
Many tried to erase their presence as if it were a smudge on the perfect picture of the city. But Lobito did not vanish: it remained.
Rejected by some, loved by others, he was passionately defended by his supporters. "Kill him!" some shouted when they didn't understand his energy. But he endured. He survived.
A Lobito's life was saved by human compassion. Cindy, Lilian, Roly, and other anonymous caregivers became his bodyguards without any right to vacation.
Every day, among cobblestones and hibiscus flowers, Lobito offered something more than companionship: he gifted a lesson in empathy, play, and love.
Not all abused dogs manage to heal. Many remain emotionally paralyzed, isolated forever. Lobito is not one of them.
Despite the damage, he retained his joy, his desire to live, to get close, to trust. He was a survivor who, every time he wagged his tail, showed that he still believed in humanity.
Those who knew him remember him as the crownless king of Paseo Narváez, with the spirit of an eternal puppy and the heart of a warrior.
And as he lived, his caretakers continued to hope that, somewhere in the world, there was a human being worthy of their unconditional love.
Frequently asked questions about the Lobito case and animal welfare in Cuba
Who was Lobito and why was he so beloved in Matanzas?
Lobito was a beloved stray dog in the Narváez promenade of Matanzas, known for his story of overcoming abuse. Thanks to Roly, his caregiver and friend, Lobito became part of the community and turned into a symbol of resilience and affection, cherished by both locals and tourists.
How did Lobito die and what was the community's reaction?
Lobito died after being struck by a door that detached, causing distress among neighbors and activists. His death sparked further outrage when he was thrown into the river without notifying Roly, his caretaker, denying him the opportunity to take care of his burial.
What does the history of Lobito reflect about animal welfare in Cuba?
The story of Lobito highlights the shortcomings in the protection of stray animals in Cuba. Despite the existence of the Animal Welfare Decree-Law, the lack of effective implementation leaves many animals vulnerable to abuse and abandonment. Activists are demanding that the laws be enforced more strictly and effectively.
What actions are activists taking to improve the situation of animals in Cuba?
Activists in Cuba are working diligently to raise awareness about animal abuse and advocate for changes in legislation. They organize protests, pilgrimages, and use social media to push for a more effective enforcement of existing laws, aiming to better protect animals and punish abuse more severely.
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