The Beirut explosion is one of the many events this year that knocked the world off its feet. The disaster was so sudden and unanticipated that some people barely had time to react. At least more than 200 people were killed and about 5,000 were injured after tons of ammonium nitrate ignited inside a warehouse inside a port in the Lebanese capital.
The explosion, just like in any other kind of disaster, did not only affect humans; it also affected pets, such as dogs. But kindhearted rescuers and volunteers did their best to help the dogs and other animals reunite with their humans.
The search for the missing dogs
A team of dedicated rescuers was working to save animals that were still caught in the aftermath of the deadly explosion. To make the operation much more streamlined, a global animal welfare organization called FOUR PAWS partnered with a local nonprofit named Animals Lebanon.
According to a release, the teams from FOUR PAWS, which included veterinarians and handlers, were initiating rescue efforts on-site to look for buried pets and provide those who survived with food and medical treatment. If possible, these cats and dogs would also be reunited with their owners. For animals who would not be reunited with their humans, FOUR PAWS would look for new shelters.
A veterinarian from FOUR PAWS named Dr. Amir Khalil said that rescue groups had to find a way to make the endeavor happen while overcoming certain obstacles, such as the ongoing pandemic.
The reunion
Animals Lebanon had also shared some happy moments of reunions between the pets and their humans. The said organization was able to reunite more than 100 cats and dogs with their owners. In a way, this was Animals Lebanon’s way of spreading some light in the middle of darkness.
If you want to be overwhelmed with tear-jerking emotions, check out the reunion video below. It will surely give you hope during these times.
Video Source: CBS News via YouTube