Earthquake survivors find missing pets at Venezuela McDonald's

A McDonald's restaurant in the Venezuelan coastal city of Caraballeda has operated as a makeshift hospital and pet recovery center following two earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24. The facility, located next to collapsed state housing complexes, still had working air conditioning when a group of 70 veterinarians, medical students, doctors and civilian volunteers arrived from Barquisimeto one day after the quakes.

The team began distributing medical supplies, treating injured residents and sheltering pets inside the restaurant.

Pet rescues at the restaurant Gabriela Alves, 36, found her six-year-old white dog Buddy at the site on Thursday after searching for more than a week. The dog had been trapped for eight days under rubble at her home before rescuers pulled it free. Veterinarians at the restaurant placed an IV in one of Buddy's legs and examined the animal for injuries.

Alves said the reunion was one positive outcome amid widespread destruction.

Volunteer operations continue Angel Matute, who coordinates the volunteer effort, said the group has rescued 140 animals and treated 60 others. The team plans to keep operating at the restaurant until its services are no longer required. Officials reported that the June 24 earthquakes killed at least 2,295 people and injured 11,000.

Many residents continue searching for missing family members and pets in the rubble.