From Ruins to Rescue: ROLDA Brings Hope to Animals in Venezuela

On June 24, 2026, the earth trembled in Venezuela. In that terrifying instant, the world changed not only for families but also for thousands of voiceless souls—dogs and cats—who had no way to save themselves from the chaos. The comfort of daily life was replaced by the roar of destruction, leaving pets stranded and bewildered amid the wreckage. The air was thick with dust and fear, and the cries of the most vulnerable mixed with the sirens and shouts that filled Venezuela.

As rescue operations began, the full magnitude of suffering became clear. Many animals were left behind in the panic—some even trapped beneath the rubble, their desperate cries nearly drowned out by the sound of falling stone. Others, torn from the warmth of the families who loved them, now roam the shattered streets. They search for food amid the debris, their coats streaked with dust and their eyes wide with fear, longing for a kind touch or the familiar scent of home. The devastation is not only physical, but deeply emotional—a collective heartbreak etched into every whimper and hesitant step.

At ROLDA, the heartbreak of every abandoned animal is felt deeply. It fuels our determination to act, to bring hope where there is despair. We teamed up with compassionate local heroes like La Manada de Bethoven, whose tireless teams search through unstable ruins and treacherous conditions, risking their own safety to crawl through jagged concrete to find survivors and deliver life-saving food, water, and urgent medical aid. Each rescue is a small miracle, a promise that these forgotten animals are not alone in their darkest hour.

As media headlines fade and the world’s attention shifts, the nightmare endures for these animals. Each day, they wait—sometimes in the shadow of ruins, sometimes in makeshift shelters or the remains of what were once homes. Their hope flickers with every footstep that approaches, every gentle voice that calls out. For them, rescue is not just survival, it is the return of dignity and the rekindling of trust in humanity.

Every single act of generosity—no matter how small—sends a powerful message to these animals: you are not forgotten. It helps rescuers reach one more trembling creature, provide another nourishing meal, or offer a moment of warmth and reassurance in a world turned upside down.

ROLDA Broadens Its Crisis Response

ROLDA’s commitment to crisis response has now extended to another continent: South America. In times of disaster—whether earthquake, flood, or conflict—ROLDA has mobilized swiftly where possible to deliver aid and partner with local organizations to save as many lives as possible.

ROLDA’s work and growing global reach are a testament to the power of compassion and international solidarity. Our network has distributed food, medicine, and shelter, bringing hope to animals and their caretakers when all seems lost. Every crisis is unique, but our mission remains unchanged: to stand with the voiceless, to bring comfort where there is pain, and to remind the world that every life matters.

Tsunami: A Symbol of Hope

After Venezuela’s June 24 earthquakes, a rescue dog named Tsunami quickly became a national hero.

The striking border collie with one blue and one brown eye searched through rubble, helping find survivors and giving hope to a grieving nation. He helped save at least 26 lives in a disaster that claimed nearly 4,500.

Tsunami is one of just a few search-and-rescue dogs in Venezuela. He and his handler Jorge Beens, leader of a Caracas disaster-response team, rushed into action—despite their own home being damaged.

Beens adopted Tsunami in 2017 from abusive conditions and quickly noticed his confidence and playfulness, which are perfect for rescue work. Tsunami has helped save over 350 people in disasters across Venezuela as well as Turkey and Syria after the 2023 earthquakes.

Trained rescue dogs like Tsunami help responders find where to search, showing how animals can play a lifesaving role during large-scale emergencies. Tsunami’s impact went beyond rescue missions—photos and murals of him became symbols of hope during a time of heartbreak. Plus, the international attention on Tsunami and dogs alike has the power to spark greater preparedness, helping Venezuela and other countries strengthen their emergency response for the future.

Sadly, the rescue window for survivors closed in Venezuela, but Beens and Tsunami plan to share their story with hopes of raising awareness and inspiring others.