Cieco: A blind dog’s journey from Nabatieh to Beirut, fleeing Israeli bombs

Deaf and blind Cieco could neither hear nor see the explosions, he could only feel what he must have known was encroaching danger.

Baabda, Lebanon – Cieco was enjoying a cool shower between pine trees as the late summer sun set.

As the soapy water washed off, his auburn and caramel coat gleamed through and Barbara, satisfied, towelled him off and walked him to the dog shelter within the Alyarz Leisure Club.

The date was September 27, and they were in Baabda, about 10km (6 miles) from Beirut.

Just as the Alyarz Pet Club (APC) volunteer released the Dutch Shepherd-Plott Hound from his leash, loud explosions echoed.

Israel had dropped 80 bombs on Dahiyeh, the suburb south of Beirut, a 15-minute drive from the shelter.