Anyone who follows Shepherding All God’s Creatures blog knows, I am an animal lover.  Thus the reason for this blog – to give a Christian voice to animal welfare issues and to animals themselves.   So when watching the nightly news and hearing of the Champlain Towers in Miami, Florida, USA, collapsing, along with concerns for all those people I became concerned about animals possibly buried alive in the rubble or left behind.  I have been glued to this story.  It has been as though I were there in some ways, losing my home or my dear furry friends.

First, I want to acknowledge how deeply grieved I am at the loss of all lives, human and animal, in this horrific tragedy.  People were going about their lives like we all do everyday.  I heard one resident tell newscasters that it was like the loudest thunder he had ever heard.  Suddenly, hundreds of peoples lives were changed in an instant.  I can only imagine the chaos, panic, and sheer terror of that night.  I can see the scene in my mind.  People asleep, awakened by the noise and the violent shaking of their apartment homes.  People watching television, or doing any number of activities, suddenly filled with shock and horror.  Many collected their children and pets to flee.  Some, panicked to the core, leave without their furry or feathered or scaled friends.  One woman who fled without her cat Mia, is living with a deep sense of regret, despair, and guilt.  Many lost their lives.  All who survived lost neighbors, friends, husbands, wives or children, fathers and mothers, and perhaps colleagues.  Every treasured item like all of us have around our homes – family photos, memorabilia of all kinds, anything that makes a house a home – gone forever.  My heart goes out to each and every survivor, family member, and friends of the victims who died.  And I have wept with you and still do.

As the days began to go by and rescue efforts appeared to look bleaker, I turned my focus to the animals left behind in the part of the building still standing.  I have read many articles, watched some videos including daily briefings from the Mayor and other authorities in charge of managing this tragedy.  All the news briefings I watched included people asking about the animals left behind.  Authorities said they had done three sweeps of the building (by drone I had heard) and they saw no animals.  But residents continued to voice their concern and their anxiety, asking that these pet family members be rescued.

There have been many of us praying that authorities would indeed rescue the animals left behind.  I myself begged and pleaded with God that he would make a way.  Though God does perform miracles, it is yet a mystery to me why a miracle might happen in one instance but not in another.  Regardless, yet I trust Him.  God is all knowing; He is wise; He is good.  The Bible tells us there is no evil in Him (Psalm 92:15).  I take great comfort in scripture verses like this one, “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.”  Psalm 147:5.

It became obvious if animals were still there that authorities were  not going to rescue any of them.  There was an outpouring of effort to press authorities as to why and to come up with solutions that might convince them otherwise.  They said the remaining half of the building was unstable; there was fear it would collapse.  The mayor pointed out they were pouring all available resources and efforts into trying to save people that may have been buried and still alive in the rubble.  Human life is valued in our society over that of animal life.  This can be seen and heard loud and clear in tragedies that happen of all kinds across our country and around the world.  One woman went to court to try to get an order to allow her to go inside the building herself to rescue the them.  But by the time she made it before the special set hearing at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the building was already rigged with dynamite and was set for detonation.

There was likely liability issues if they allowed anyone to enter the complex.  Firefighters (among others) not involved in the rescue efforts volunteered to rescue the animals.  Many clever suggestions  were offered as to what could be done to make it possible.  Some of these ideas were brilliant.  For the two cats, Coco and Mia, a suggestion was made to save them without anyone setting foot on the structure.  Someone could be air lifted by crane to the balcony, open the patio door for Mia’s home (which was closed) with a remote device, and set out food in a live trap.  For Coco, who was seen on the balcony, someone from the search and rescue team was lifted up to her balcony and put food out.  It does not appear, however, that a live trap was placed to rescue her.

Since the destruction of the complex that was still standing, I read an article whereby the Mayor is giving conflicting information, saying they did apartment searches for animals left behind looking in nooks and crannies.  They said they set live traps for cats in the building.  The article reports that allegedly, authorities left doors open so that animals could escape if any were still inside.  Earlier news articles and live briefings stated they would not allow anyone to go in the building as it was deemed too unstable.  Animal welfare activists state that there is a lot of conflicting information.

Also, this information is coming forward late after the fact.  If it is true, it is disturbing.  The pet parent of Coco reportedly was “yelled at” by the fireman when she tried to leave with a carrier containing her dog and cat; the woman refused to leave without the dog so she carried him in her arms and had to leave Coco.

Very likely, more could and should have been done to rescue Mia and Coco as well as the other pets.  I heard of two parakeets, a

dog named Daisy, a guinea pig.  In an early article, it was reported that there was a dog (may have been Daisy) in a crate left behind.  But later, I read that the dog was not crated and that it is possible Daisy was in an apartment that collapsed.  If she was in the complex still standing and whether the dog was in a crate or not, it is not acceptable they are left behind.  One can imagine the suffering Daisy went through were she in a crate for 10 days before the building was imploded.  Those of us who know the personality of dogs, know their loyalty and their undying devotion for their humans.  We know how they can suffer, how smart they are, the torture this would have been.

What I find rather odd about this situation is that unlike in other disasters – hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires – people will go to heroic lengths to rescue and save animals from impending doom.  Why not in this one?  This question begs an answer.  What bothers me the most whatever the situation was, is that we could have done something more about it unlike so many scenarios where we cannot stop animal torture and abuse.  To knowingly allow the animals to suffer, whatever the circumstances, when it was within our power and our reach to stop it, is simply unconscionable.

I cannot find fault entirely with the individuals that left a companion animal behind. When there is a disaster, part of the given protocol for first responders needs to include not only ushering people who are panicked out of the building in a calm organized manner, but to make sure the question is asked, “Do you have companion animals, and if so, get them.”  A reasonable amount of time needs to be allotted for animal parents to find them.  Emergency personnel should be trained to look around for companion animals as well, and grab the bird cage or the guinea pig cage, or the dog in a crate, and bring them along.  In circumstances like this, if we put ourselves in the shoes of those who are going through the disaster, one can see how it could happen that a pet is left behind.  Any caring pet parent who panics deserves our grace and our love, for they will be heartbroken over it.  If it were me, I would be beside myself with grief, guilt, and regret.

I place blame partially on

• a society that does not value animal life as the sacred thing it is and who deem animals as property;
• upon our elected officials and law makers who could set an example and who could create laws that hold us accountable for the moral and ethical responsibilities we have over animals and earth or the lack thereof;
• upon leaders and authorities who – if they are not, need to be – training their emergency personnel to make sure all animals are evacuated with their human families.
• upon media who do not change the rhetoric in their reporting by including animal victims when reporting on disasters; who do not press officials in these disasters as to what more they could be doing to protect and save animals as well as humans (see this article; how easy it would have been where appropriate to say humans/people ‘and animals’.  This would help the entire world in an event like this remember they are victims, too.).  By including animal victims as part of the reporting on the death toll in disaster coverage, and in general by being cognizant of everything that happens around us as affecting them, too (ie: forest fires, flooding, mudslides, etc.), we could change the culture.  Changing language can change a culture.

Let me remind leaders:  to many people, animals are like children.  The bond in some cases, is even deeper and stronger.  You do a disservice to humanity by denying every effort when it is possible to rescue animals.  Our companion animals experience a strong bond with their humans, too.  To them, we are often their whole world.  They completely depend upon us.  We have domesticated these animals.  We have a responsibility to see that we are faithful to them in carrying out our ethical and moral duties to care for and protect them.

I also hold the church partially responsible for how the world views animals:

• The church should lead the world in providing an Image of the God who loves us ALL – His entire creation, not just His human creation.
• This Image should include how we live upon the earth and treat it and the animal creations – we are to set an example.
• Yet it is more than just an example. We are also to be reconcilers (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). We are to understand from scripture what God is expecting of us as stewards (Genesis 1; Genesis 2:15).
• We are called to usher in God’s Kingdom on the earth (see the Lord’s prayer).
• We are to be merciful (Luke 6:36; .Proverbs 12:10
• We are to be protectors (Genesis 2:15).
• We are to be the voice of the downtrodden (Proverbs 31:8).  Of those being oppressed and wrongly treated. This includes our voices for animals.
• Animals are companions.  They are not ours, but God’s creatures, entrusted to us.  We are to treat them like He would if He Himself were ruling over them.
• We are to push against what we see in the world that does not reflect God’s Image of love.  We are to pray to take back the ground that Satan has taken.

Our mutual loving God placed mankind upon the earth to have dominion over it and the animal kingdom.  Being made in God’s Image is not so much about who we are, but about what we are to do.  We are morally and ethically responsible for the welfare of the creation.  We are in charge of God’s creation, while we are yet part of it.  Like Jesus, who said, “Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well, and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?” (Luke 14:5), we are to do our utmost to protect and save animals when they are in harms way.

It is mankind who creates a world that all too often does not think of animals in the process of how we use creation.  Humans see animals as property and commodities that are here to serve our own purposes.  We face a cascade of species extinction because of our actions.  The earth is horrifically polluted.  We are anthropocentric, disrespectful, unmerciful, and tyrannical in our dominion.

We desperately need this to change –

• It is the heart of man that must change.  For it is in the heart that man conceives his worldview.
• We need to humble ourselves.
• It is imperative we find love for the animal kingdom.
• Our obligation is to understand that ALL life is sacred to God.  It must be to us, as well.
• And then we need to find ways to change what we do so that ALL life and the earth will be acknowledged and taken into consideration in how we live and make our way in the world.

To all Floridians

I suggest that we who have had our hearts broken by this terrible event, channel our emotions into something constructive to create change so that in the future, no animal will be left behind. There is a list with links and ideas on how we can make change happen at the end of this article,  It is not exhaustive; add to the list by leaving comments if you think of things we can do.

And let us remember.  It is not flesh and blood that we are at war with (Ephesians 6:12).  The battle is spiritual.  We should learn about this spiritual battle and what we can do to take back the ground that Satan has won; to learn what we can do to be a light in this dark world –a light that like Jesus, saves, heals and redeems through love.

To those who are advocating tirelessly for animals during this tragedy

Thank you to all who are standing up and speaking out.  Thank you for your tireless efforts, hours of hard work gathering information and finding resources, the push for change, the support for one another, for helping the families who have lost so much. I was grateful to find these Facebook pages, “Rescue the Surfside Cats – Mia & Coco” and “Champlain South Surfside Building Collapse, Rescue and Resources”.  To gather together in our efforts make us a stronger force for change.  Let’s be positive and work together in love.

To the families who lost loved ones, human and animal

I am so deeply sorry for your losses.  It grieves my heart.  Praying this prayer for you:  Our Loving God, please bring healing and peace to all who so desperately need it now.  Please give all who grieve such a magnitude of loss, the strength and ability to persevere and to rebuild their lives.  Give them comfort and heal their broken hearts.  Help them over come through Your healing power.   We ask that you make beauty out of the ashes. 

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 4‘ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”  Revelation 21:4     AMEN

1 Corinthians 15:39 (KJV) “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.” Luke 3:6 (KJV) “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (KJV)

Psalm 36:6 “Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD.”  (ESV)

Call to Action

Prayer is our most important action.  God asks us to pray without ceasing, and to bring all our concerns to him (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18).  Take the time to watch the video on prayer at the end of this article.  Prayer matters.

Shepherding All God’s Creatures Prayer Group Facebook Page, a private page dedicated to praying for animals, animal welfare and justice issues they face, and the people who care about them.

Contact your State Representatives, Senators and other officials.  Tell them laws are needed in Florida that make animal rescue an essential aspect of every emergency situation including evacuations.  Tell them you expect emergency personnel will be thoroughly trained in animal evacuation procedures and rescue efforts.

• Florida’s Governor
• Mayor of Miami
• Fire and Rescue Chief
• FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Find Your State Representatives
• Find Your State Senators

As can be seen by this article, a lot of hands are involved in emergency response.  There reportedly are major procedural problems with these efforts.  Figuring out who to write is proving difficult.

Prepare for disaster.  Have a disaster plan that includes pets.  Practice your plan with disaster drills!

Petition to Sign:

Petition – Ron Desantis:  The Florida Emergency Recovery Amendment for Pets and/or Personal Belongings.

For More Information:

Resources and Links About the Building Collapse:

Watch replay of remaining portion of Surfside condo building being demolished

Demolition plan comes after some Surfside survivors left their pets behind

The shattered lives of Champlain Towers South

Pet owners frantic over their missing animals in Florida tower collapse

Where are the pets? Mayor says crews searched Surfside condo units before demolition

Miami condo collapse shows how the U.S. keeps getting disaster response wrong

Facebook Pages Dedicated to Provide Support and Information About the Residents and Animals:

NOTE: No hate speech on these pages please.  Facebook has already threatened to close the page.  Channel your anger appropriately by finding ways to help create change.  We are of no help if the page is shut down.

Rescue the Surfside Cats – Mia & Coco

Champlain South Surfside Building Collapse, Rescue and Resources

Pages To Learn More About God’s Love For Animals:

Swords to Plowshares

Live Mercifully

Ask us about Creation Care Church – the CCC community’s mission statement is:

Our mission is to provide a welcoming Christ-centered community for people to experience and share the love of God while learning about God’s plan of salvation and restoration for the whole world. We teach a Bible-based approach to caring for the earth and all its inhabitants, which includes advocating for and practicing a compassionate vegan lifestyle that shows mercy to all of God’s creatures. The gospel is good news for all creation, and we invite you to join us in spreading this good news to every creature!

The CCC community is in its early stages, so it is a work in progress (the webpage is coming soon).

Video about Prayer and Video about Building Collapse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syy4LoaRV9M