Fairview Shopping Centre

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A desperate search continues for Bella, a four-month-old chihuahua-husky mix puppy, who vanished after thieves stole a car from the Fairview Shopping Centre parking lot in Pointe-Claire. While the stolen Toyota RAV4 has been recovered in Ahuntsic, the puppy named Bella remains missing, leaving her Ontario owners devastated.

The owners, Rocco and Naomi DiRago, who were visiting from Ontario for their grandson’s hockey tournament, say while they’re relieved to have their car back, their main concern is finding their beloved pet. “She’s near and dear to our heart,” Rocco DiRago said.

Police have suspended their active search, citing challenges in tracking the unchipped puppy. “We don’t have any trace or any information or videos that we could track or see where and when the dog was last seen,” SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant said.

The couple describes Bella as a small yellow mixed-breed with a distinctive tail that curls “like a question mark.” The puppy was wearing a warm coat and wrapped in her favorite blanket when the car was stolen. She was scheduled to receive her final shots and identification tag this Wednesday.

Naomi DiRago expressed concerns about the bitter cold weather, noting that Bella gets cold even indoors. The family has already checked the local SPCA and a Vaudreuil shelter, while also posting missing dog flyers throughout Pointe-Claire.

The DiRagos remain hopeful for Bella’s safe return and urge anyone with information to contact them at ready4itnoni@gmail.com. Their primary concern is ensuring their beloved puppy is somewhere safe and warm, even if they can’t bring her home. n