After Turkey earthquake, more rescuers search for pets

ANTIOCH, Turkey (AP) — Six days after earthquakes shook parts of Turkey and Syria, two survivors have emerged from the rubble. They were dogs, the target of a parallel rescue effort.

“One of the dogs was clinging to the dead body of its owner and it was a miracle that it was rescued six days later,” said Csenay Tekinbas, a representative of local animal welfare group HAYTAP.

“I hope he clings to life,” Tekinbas said of the animal that ultimately left its master dead. “Hopefully we can breathe new life into it.”

Field hospitals set up in four towns to treat rescued pets are already full.

Surviving is only the first step. Those who try to find and care for animals also struggle to care for them properly. “There is no food, bird food, chicken food or anything in any pet store at this time. Because everything is closed or collapsed,” Tekinbas said.

At an aid station in a plaza in Antioquia, large sacks of animal food are stacked, their images of green pastures and happy animals contrasting sharply with the dark backdrop. Nearby, a stocky dog ​​is eating from a bowl.

The effort to save pets even requires breaking down doors. After receiving a tip about a seemingly abandoned dog on the fourth floor of an apartment building, HAYTAP workers put on their hard hats and headed to the apartment to rescue a large, fluffy German Shepherd.

Down in a wrecked alley, workers showered him with affection as the dog loudly licked a metal bowl filled with water.

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Robert Bandendieck in Istanbul contributed to this report.