{"id":312454,"date":"2024-11-03T13:28:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-03T18:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oncubanews.com\/en\/?p=312454"},"modified":"2026-02-11T11:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:59:15","slug":"dogs-and-neighbors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oncubanews.com\/en\/economy-business\/reports\/dogs-and-neighbors\/","title":{"rendered":"Dogs and neighbors"},"content":{"rendered":"

In any Cuban neighborhood, life goes by at a slow pace, as if time were not pressing. Neighbors often go out to sit on the sidewalk, in front of their homes, in a park or on the Malec\u00f3n. Many of these scenes include a dog, either resting in the shade, wandering among passersby\u2019s feet or accompanying those in their home. Daily life in Cuba is full of small postcards where a furry friend is much more than a simple companion: it is an essential part of the shared routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"An
An afternoon in the neighborhood. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Negra
Negra has her own \u201cidentity card\u201d hanging around her neck because \u201cshe usually goes out for walks alone and sometimes gets lost,\u201d her owner tells me. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In these spaces of interaction, dogs mingle with conversations, children\u2019s games and the movement of neighbors. They are protagonists in the dynamics of the neighborhood. In many cases, they don\u2019t wear a leash while roaming the streets, which they know as well as people; although the risks they run are very different.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\u201cHe
\u201cHe likes the photos a lot,\u201d says this man while posing with his dog. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many dogs in Cuba, like \u201ctheir humans,\u201d seem to have learned to wait. They watch patiently, with a certain boredom. In a country where resources are scarce and problems are ubiquitous, waiting has become a constant. Cubans wait, and their dogs too, whether for electricity, water or simply for the heat to subside with the setting of the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Evening
Evening cooling off. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
A neighbor from Centro Habana sitting at the door of his house with his three pets. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the midst of difficulties, there is always room for love and care. Many Cubans share the little they have with these life companions, silent confidants and unconditional sources of affection. This bond helps them cope with everyday reality.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
A four-legged companion, an unparalleled emotional balm. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Walking through a Cuban neighborhood is to witness this relationship of solidarity and empathy. There are families who tend to collectively care for dogs that thus become community dogs. The neighborhood becomes their home, and they, as if they understood the unwritten rules of community life, know who to turn to when they need something.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
The dog just bathed. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On social media, there are sad stories of abandonment, but also of rescue, adoption and collective care. These platforms have also been key to raising awareness about animal welfare and coordinating efforts in caring for the most vulnerable. However, there is still a long way to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
A man and his dog in Holgu\u00edn. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Company
Company for all ages. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Life in Cuba is not easy, but the moments shared with a dog are like a pause in the middle of chaos. These are moments when time seems to stop and, even if the problems are not resolved, at least for a while, they become more bearable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
The greatest dedication. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
A little fresh air with the family on the Malec\u00f3n. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter Silvio Rodr\u00edguez with Dorita, the most pampered of the Ojal\u00e1 Studios. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
A park in Old Havana is the favorite walk for these dogs, says \u201ctheir human.\u201d Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Best
Best friends. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"On
On the Malec\u00f3n like at home. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
A lady and her dogs get some fresh air at the door of her house in Old Havana. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Night
Night on the Paseo del Prado in good company. Photo: Kaloian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In Cuba, dogs are an essential part of any neighborhood scene. 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