On June 24th, twin earthquakes stuck Venezuela, claiming the lives of nearly 6,000 people. Emergency crews have been working day and night to rescue survivors from the rubble — both people, and their beloved animal companions. It’s been a month since those earthquakes occurred, and hope has dwindled with regard to finding anyone left alive. But then rescuers found Beyli: a two-year-old poodle who survived 29 days trapped within a collapsed building.
Who is Beyli?
Beyli is the beloved animal companion of 11-year-old Victoria Rengel. He was found curled up next to the body of Victoria’s mother, as though he had refused to leave her side until the bitter end.
Victoria said: “He wanted to protect her. I will always remember how much he loved my mom.”
Shortly after being rescued, Beyli was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic for assessment and care. In addition to being severely dehydrated, he had lost most of his body weight from lack of food. He also had painful eye ulcers, likely caused by dust from the collapsed buildings.
Rescuers and vets alike have called his survival a miracle.
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This Little Poodle is Recovering Well!
According to veterinary experts, Beyli is stable and recovering well. Although he was severely dehydrated, he managed to drink on his own when rescued by emergency responders. He’s now receiving ongoing treatment, and is recovering with Victoria and her father. Her grandmother sadly died in the earthquake along with her mother.
This sweet little dog has become an international symbol of hope. He also reminds us that non-human family members deserve rescue and care too. The incredible amount of love and loyalty dogs exhibit towards their people has been celebrated throughout history, and it’s beautiful to see such love reciprocated.
Stories like this one bring immense hope in times of tragedy.
Since Beyli was found, responders have also rescued a turtle named Pascualina, who was pulled from the rubble in Catia La Mar. She survived after falling from the sixth floor, and has since been reunited with her family.
It isn’t just dogs that have been rescued from the rubble. Emergency crews have also worked diligently to rescue other dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other animal companions. The furred, feathered, and scaled creatures that people share their lives with are invaluable members of their families. Seeing people who have been traumatized by disaster reunited with their beloved pets gives people hope and will to keep going.
Red de Apoyo Canino (RAC) is aVenezuelan animal welfare group that coordinates emergency veterinary care, food and water distribution, and pet reunification with their families.
If you’ve like to learn more about the animal rescue initiatives in Venezuela, or make a donation to help them save more lives, visit the IFAW website:
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)