Days later, Stella ran away from home and traveled several miles to the Cisanello hospital in Pisa, where her owner later died.
Her story was shared on Facebook by Sportella Tutella Animali, a group based in San Giuliano Terme, a commune in the province of Pisa. “Stella’s owner is one of the victims of this virus,” the group said in a post on Monday, calling for someone to adopt Stella.
“Stella is 7 years old and since the day they took her master away she has no peace of mind: she ran away to look for him to the hospital.”
In an update, the group said a relative of Stella’s owner had decided to adopt her.
The post said: “Stella will have a new family! She will be adopted by a relative of the deceased master, who has proposed to take care of her by offering her a new home and the affection she needs, now more than ever.”
But the group added that while Stella has found a new home, other animals are still waiting to be adopted.
“Let’s not forget the many other dogs, equally unlucky, with as many sad stories behind them… waiting inside the box of a kennel or shelter for someone who can offer them unconditional love and a new family that welcomes them, making them forget their past suffering,” they said in a post.
Italy is among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic with more than 165,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and more than 21,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. More than 38,000 people have recovered.
After more than a month in lockdown, some parts of the country are starting to ease restrictions although the the worst-hit regions, such as Lombardy and other parts of the north, will keep measures in place for longer.
Italy will remain in lockdown until May 3, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said, but a few businesses, including shops selling books, stationery and children’s clothing, have been allowed to reopen. However, strict rules on hygiene and the number of customers permitted inside will apply for all shops allowed to reopen.
This infographic, provided by Statista, shows the spread of COVID-19 cases around the world as of April 15.
Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub. Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste. Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms. Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people. If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance. Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease. Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning. Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask. Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask. Do not reuse single-use masks. Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves. The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
