Mexico Soccer Player’s Lost Dog Sheds Light on Animal Protection Shortcomings

OAKLAND, Calif. - Welsh footballer Aaron Ramsey, who had hoped his transfer to Mexico would signal a new beginning, is now enduring a deeply emotional struggle as he searches for his missing beagle, Halo. The ex-Arsenal and Juventus star shared a touching black-and-white image on Instagram, holding his beloved pet, with the caption: "What I'd do to hold you one last time Halo," as reported by AP News (

). His heartfelt plea has captured worldwide attention, highlighting his urgent efforts to find his dog.

After joining Mexico’s premier club Pumas in July, Ramsey disclosed that Halo disappeared earlier this month when left at a dog shelter in Dolores, Guanajuato. Head coach Efrain Juarez stated that Ramsey’s attention has been understandably diverted, with the midfielder missing Pumas’ latest game against Leon to continue his search. "He’s dealing with this situation, everyone knows what it is, with his dog, but we’re supporting him," Juarez commented after the match. Ramsey’s teammates have also shown their support, though their 1-0 win over Lyon did little to ease the emotional strain.

Colleen, Ramsey’s wife, has used social media to intensify the search, asking anyone who may have seen Halo—a beagle—near San Ignacio or Dolores Hidalgo to reach out to them. "We are still searching for answers," she posted. The couple is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to Halo’s safe return. Their appeal has resonated with fans and animal advocates globally, many of whom have shared the message in hopes of aiding the search.

The 31-year-old, who has represented Wales 86 times and famously captained the squad to the Euro 2016 semifinals, relocated to Mexico on a one-year deal after helping Cardiff City avoid relegation from England’s Championship. Known for his perseverance, Ramsey now faces a personal ordeal that has truly tested his resolve. "This is a nightmare," a representative for Ramsey said earlier this week, though the player has mostly kept his struggles out of the public eye.

This incident has also sparked wider discussions about pet security in Mexico, where animal welfare groups point out that lost pets and strays are a frequent issue in rural communities. Guanajuato, a central state recognized for its industry and agriculture, has seen similar incidents, but Halo’s disappearance has drawn rare international focus due to Ramsey’s fame.

As the search goes on, Ramsey’s team has suggested they may broaden their efforts beyond local shelters and volunteers. At the same time, Pumas’ management has temporarily modified Ramsey’s training schedule to allow him to continue his search. "We’re standing by him, and we’ll see what unfolds in the coming days," Juarez added.

This story highlights the challenges athletes face balancing their careers with personal hardships, even for those used to intense pressure. For now, Ramsey’s priority remains finding Halo, and he has no immediate plans to return to full training until his dog is found.