Mexicans search for their pets
MEXICO CITY — Jack is a small white dog who lives in Mexico City and has been missing since a magnitude 7.1 earthquake startled both humans and their pets when it struck early Tuesday afternoon.
“I got lost in the earthquake!!!” a sign with his picture taped to a tree exclaims.
Around Mexico’s capital are scattered signs for missing pets, mostly dogs, who their owners believe got scared and escaped in the chaotic moments after the devastating quake.
Rescuers have found some skittishly wandering the streets and taken them to shelters. They know they are someone’s pet because they are clean, friendly and appear well nourished.
“When a dog has been in the streets for a long time they are dirty and very thin,” said Silvia Garcia, the owner of an animal shelter that has taken in seven dogs since the quake. “These dogs are well taken care of.”
No one knows for certain how many pets are missing but many of Mexico City’s hardest-hit areas are filled with dog-friendly restaurants, parks and upscale groomers.
