When the earth shook in Venezuela, entire buildings collapsed in seconds. Families ran for their lives, but not everyone made it out.Beneath piles of dirt, concrete, and twisted debris, people and animals were left trapped, waiting for someone to find them. One dog was buried so completely that rescuers could barely reach him.

During the search, rescue teams discovered the dog buried beneath the rubble.

Carefully clearing away the debris, they managed to free his head before offering him a much-needed drink of water.

Then, working patiently by hand, the rescue team dug him out inch by inch until they could gently lift him to safety.

The rescue workers called the dog’s survival a “symbol of hope” amidst the widespread destruction.

The earthquakes have killed more than 589 people, injured over 971 others, and left widespread destruction across parts of Venezuela.

Rescue efforts continue to search for survivors in the disaster zone. Red de Apopa Canino is one of the animal rescue organization in Caracas, Venuezuela affiliated with SPCA International Global Animal Rescue. To support their efforts please visit their website.

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