On January 18, 2017, earthquakes ravaged Rigopiano, Italy. Guests staying at a hotel were stuck inside because of snowdrifts. Later that afternoon, an avalanche plowed through the mountain, destroying the hotel.
Emergency response teams immediately descended on the building, trying to find survivors in the rubble. Nine people were found alive in the wreckage, and two hotel guests were safe outside the hotel.
Rescuers began to lose hope when their search wasn't leading to people, but then they found a new form of motivation: puppies.
The hotel was not only home to visitors, it was also the residence of two Abruzzo sheepdogs and their three puppies. While rescuers were looking for 22 people who are still considered missing, they found the pups in an air pocket and sent in firefighters to save them.
According to the BBC, the rescuers figured out where the puppies were before they were able to approach them. Once they found a safe way into the rubble, firefighters were able to save them.
The puppies are seemingly in good health, and were brought to a veterinarian to make sure they are truly OK.
The rescue of the dogs gave emergency crews renewed hope that there might be people still alive in air pockets.
The puppies' parents also survived the avalanche, making their way through six feet of snow to a neighboring village, where they were taken in by the woman who now also has their puppies.
In the face of massive tragedy, the discovery of these puppies is a small source of much-needed comfort and relief.
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