It’s been five weeks since Hurricane Dorian made landfall, and the Bahamas are still reeling.
As the massive recovery effort continues, the remains of the hard-hit town of Marsh Harbor are slated to be bulldozed, which has made the plight of the countless animals stuck there even more dire.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, is one of numerous groups working around the clock to save dogs from the rubble. They’re using drones and special recovery teams to locate and rescue pups trapped under the debris.
It hasn’t been easy, but last week’s rescue of a dog found pinned beneath an air-conditioning unit has made it all worth it. Despite subsisting on rainwater at three weeks, the emaciated pup managed to survive. Nobody is quite sure how.
They have named him “Miracle” because it is a miracle that he is still alive.
Miracle, a one-year-old mixed breed was rushed to Florida where he’s receiving lifesaving medical treatment and nourishment. He has a long recovery ahead of him.
“What an incredible story that we were able to discover this dog alive after being trapped for so long. We are using the latest technology for our recovery teams to locate these animals. In this case, drones played a key role,” Big Dog Ranch Rescue Founder and President Lauree Simmons told CBS Miami.
Miracle was the 138th dog saved by Big Dog Ranch Rescue in the Bahamas. So far, they’ve rescued more than 150. Though his story is one of many, Miracle’s incredible perseverance has made him a celebrity.
"Miracle is the most famous dog in the world and a symbol of hope, unity and strength. Just as the Bahamas, Miracle will recover and begin a wonderful new life,” Chase Scott, spokesman for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, told Southern Living. “We have over 10,000 requests to adopt Miracle from all over the world and get calls and emails from incredible people willing. One couple in Maryland is getting married and is asking all their guests to donate to help us rescue more dogs rather to purchase wedding gifts.”
“This small, 24-pound struggling life has captured the hearts of millions around the world and done something no human has, united people in a positive cause and put hope and smiles in the hearts of us all.”
