The festive season took a heartbreaking turn for an Ontario couple, Naomi and Rocco DiRago, when their four-month-old puppy, Bella, was stolen along with their car in Montreal. The couple were in Pointe-Claire for their grandson’s hockey tournament and had parked their silver Toyota at Fairview Mall on Saturday evening, believing it to be a safe location. They left Bella, a small husky-Chihuahua mix, inside her kennel, wrapped snugly in a woolen blanket for warmth, expecting to return within 45 minutes. However, upon their return, both their car and their beloved puppy were gone, plunging them into a frantic search.
The DiRagos spent over an hour scouring the parking lot before contacting the police. The Montreal police (SPVM) responded swiftly, issuing an alert to all officers about the stolen vehicle and the missing puppy. This incident underscores the vulnerability of even seemingly secure locations like mall parking lots, particularly those in proximity to major highways, which offer quick escape routes for thieves. Fairview Mall, in particular, is known to be a hotspot for car thefts, according to SPVM officer J.P. Brabant. This information highlights the need for increased vigilance and the use of anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks, car trackers, or alarm systems, as recommended by Officer Brabant.
Early Sunday morning, a glimmer of hope appeared when the police received a call about an abandoned vehicle matching the DiRagos’ description in the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc extension borough of Montreal. However, the hope was short-lived as Bella was not inside. While the blanket and leashes were still in the car, Bella’s kennel was missing, leaving the DiRagos devastated and increasingly worried about their puppy’s safety, especially given the frigid Montreal temperatures. The tartan coat Bella was wearing offered little protection against the elements, amplifying the couple’s anxiety.
The DiRagos, heartbroken and desperate, extended their search efforts by plastering posters of Bella throughout the city. They clung to the hope of a Christmas miracle, praying for Bella’s safe return. Their plea to the public is simple: if anyone has information about Bella or has seen her, they are urged to contact the SPVM or bring her to the nearest police station. This plea reflects the family’s unwavering faith in the kindness of strangers and their desperate hope that someone will do the right thing.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of pets left in vehicles, even for short periods. It also highlights the importance of taking precautions to secure vehicles, especially in areas known for car thefts. The DiRagos’ story is a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of leaving pets unattended in cars and the devastating emotional toll of such an experience. The couple’s anguish is palpable as they face the prospect of returning to Ontario without their beloved Bella.
The DiRagos’ story resonated deeply within the community, prompting widespread sharing of Bella’s picture and information on social media. The outpouring of support and concern from strangers underlines the strong bond between people and their pets and the collective empathy for those experiencing such a loss. As the holiday season unfolds, the DiRagos’ plea continues to echo, carrying with it the hope that Bella will be reunited with her family and that this story will have a happy ending. The waiting and the uncertainty continue, but the family remains hopeful, clinging to the belief that someone, somewhere, holds the key to Bella’s safe return.
