It all started in 2015 when Bassel Abou Fakher fled war-torn Syria to find refuge in Belgium. To his great sorrow, his hasty departure forced him to leave his dog Stella behind. However, her host family took steps to repatriate her as well.
Bassel Abou Fakher has adopted Stellaa magnificent Berger Blanc Suisse dog, when he was only 12 years old. Stella, meanwhile, was 40 days old and both comforted each other at night. A strong bond was thus created between them.
A year later, conflicts erupted in Damas, their city of residence. Even when it was dangerous, the young teenager took the risk of walking his faithful furry friend.
In 2015, Basel finally fled his home to take refuge in Belgium.
However, reluctantly, he had to leave Stella on the spot.
Indeed, his journey through the Lebanon and the Turkey as well as the trip on the open sea to the Greece in an inflatable boat would have been dangerous for the dog.
A new life without Stella
Basel took refuge in Bruxelles in Belgium chez Joannes Vandermeulen et Ann Hoste. The Good Samaritans took care of the young man and helped him to flourish in his adopted country.
However, Basel never forgot Stella. He was unhappy to have left her to her fate. Joannes et Ann therefore said to themselves that it was necessary to do what was necessary to bring the duo together.
In collaboration with a local taxi driver, Stella was driven from Damas at Beirut where was waiting Joannes.
The man then cleared the paperwork and loaded the dog on a commercial plane.I. “It is extremely difficult to imagine what it takes to bring a canine from Beirut to Brussels via Istanbul. It was very complex. Stella almost died on the way when she got stuck with her necklace in the transport crate. On arrival, we were both exhausted”said Joannes at UNHCR.
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The reunion was very emotional! The dog immediately recognized her master and the duo have not left each other since.
Their beautiful story was the subject of a children’s book called « Saving Stella : A Dog’s Dramatic Escape from War » written by author Deborah Blumenthal.
Par Charlotte Jourdain
Web editor