A young Cuban woman has turned to social media to seek assistance in finding her missing Pekingese dog in Old Havana, offering a $500 reward for its safe return. Melanie León, who posted the appeal on Facebook, emphasized that the reward will be given "only if it's clearly the real dog." She also stated, "I won't go to any address unless I receive photos beforehand or have a video call," likely as a precaution against scams.
The dog went missing in the Belén neighborhood of Old Havana, and León has shared two phone numbers for any leads: 50118282 and 78606483. In a previous post, she described the dog, named Hachi, as affectionate but fragile due to his epilepsy, hyperactivity, and food intolerances. She mentioned that even if someone has purchased him, the reward will still be provided, as Hachi is considered a son and a vital part of her family. "I feel empty; the most precious thing in my life has been taken from me. I won't stop looking for him," she expressed.
It's common for people to use social media to find lost pets, offering rewards as a gesture of love and dedication to their animals. In September, another individual in Havana offered a $500 reward on social media for the return of their missing dog. Elena Gonzales shared in the Facebook group "Huellas Callejeras de Cuba" that her dog, named Leche for her white color, was last spotted at the intersection of 9th and 62nd Streets in the Miramar neighborhood of Playa.
A month earlier, a family from Sancti Spíritus promised a $200 reward for the return of their lost dog. Vivian González Lorenzo announced in the Facebook group "(SOS) Perritos Perdidos en Cuba" that the pet, believed to be a dachshund, vanished in the Garaita area near the daycare center.