‘A dream come true’: Earthquake survivors reunite with pets in Colombia

Amidst the devastation of a powerful earthquake in Colombia, a glimmer of hope is emerging as victims are being reunited with their beloved pets. Vickye Giraldo, a 56-year-old lawyer, found solace in holding her cat, Polux, outside the ruined building where she once lived in Cali, one of the cities hardest hit by the magnitude 7.4 seismic event.

Three days after the earthquake, the death toll has risen to 273, with over 3,800 people injured. The critical 72-hour window for finding survivors is closing, and rescue efforts are intensifying for hundreds of missing individuals. Simultaneously, dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to locate companion animals for those who have lost everything, understanding the profound emotional bond between people and their pets.

Official figures indicate that more than 12,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands of families homeless. In Cali, Giraldo's former residential building now stands destroyed and leaning precariously. Volunteers discovered Polux among the rubble on Wednesday, an event Giraldo described as "an indescribable moment." She had four pets in her apartment, two dogs and two cats. While one dog has been rescued, another pet died, and one remains missing.

Andrea Paredes in Cali still holds onto hope for her dog and cats, who were trapped in her bathroom when the earthquake struck. Her husband managed to grab one puppy before they evacuated, but she is uncertain about the fate of her other animals. On Thursday, rescuers were met with applause as they carried a visibly weak dog out of the debris of another building. Veterinarians provided immediate care, hydrating the animal before placing it on a stretcher.

Volunteer Nelson Vidales expressed his commitment, stating, "We know that pets are like children. That's what I've focused on." He added, "I know many people are thinking about humans, but the time must come when pets are represented and searched for. That's why I'm here."