Dozens of abductees have been released from Hamas captivity in the past week, with a big surprise when 17-year-old Mia Leimberg, who was released on Tuesday along with her mother Gabriella after more than 50 days by the terrorist organization, was holding the family dog Bella, whose family members were sure she escaped in the October 7 terrorist attack.
The great love between the two was evident from the moment they were first seen at the moment of their release, and it was hard not to wonder how captivity by Hamas and the long stay in a tunnel or underground space would affect not only both of them, but also their beloved dog. In order to understand what an animal that experiences such a situation goes through, we spoke with Dr. Anat Lichter-Peled, chairman of the Association of Veterinary Doctors for Domestic Animals in Israel, who noted that it is reasonable to assume that the dog's stay with her owner greatly strengthened her and helped her in the stressful situation she was in.
"She was with her 'band,' this togetherness creates a strengthening reality and a lot of resilience," she told Israel Hayom, noting that her remarks are based mainly on assessment, not hard scientific data. "Bella gave Mia and Gabriella resilience through her great love, and they, in turn, gave her resilience by being with her in this difficult situation. A situation was created from which both sides benefited and gave each other strength."
The abductees released yesterday from Hamas are transferred to the Red Cross // Photo: Arab networks
Just as the sounds of explosions, noises, pressure and captivity affect people, they also harm animals, so the best thing that can be done in this case, according to Dr. Lichter-Peled, is to quickly return to the routine that existed before the abduction. "We need to gradually return the dog to her diet, return to a routine of walks and stay in familiar places, as well as make the dog happy and preserve the togetherness created in captivity, which gives strength to both sides and should be preserved into the old-new routine as a healing force."
Can animals also experience phenomena such as shell shock, or because these are animals – they are less affected by such difficult events?
"It's a very complex question, but it's clear that there are injuries that cause long-term trauma in animals as well. Such trauma will be expressed in expressing significant fear so that the animal will behave fearfully, be very frightened and express aversion to various things."
In connection with such an injury, Dr. Lichter-Peled noted that she saw Bella examined by a veterinarian to identify if she had been injured in her body and if there was evidence of emotional harm to her, while trying to identify what she needed and what would help her. "In my opinion, they need to keep the strong togetherness that they experienced somewhere, it will strengthen everyone and allow them to heal, but it is also important that they maintain their new-old routine," she concluded.
Leimberg and Bella are released, yesterday, Photo: Arab Networks
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