Hundreds of pets have been rescued in Israel after families abandoned their homes and belongings following the Hamas attacks.
Animal welfare organizations have joined forces with veterinarians to assist the animals left behind by their owners after October 7 and the subsequent conflict.
The ongoing threat of further attacks has resulted in people evacuating or choosing to leave their homes, belongings and pets behind.
One Israeli animal rescuer told Reuters that a small dog had been left trapped inside its house for the past two weeks.
"She was hiding there, lots of blood and horror, but she's okay," animal rescuer David Martiano said.
He said the dog was "malnourished and frightened" and was rescued on Saturday.
"Her family is going to be very happy to get her back."
According to Martiano, the dog's owners are alive and plan on being reunited with their canine friend.
He said it's not just him working, but a "big group" of many organizations who are saving the pets.
"I think at least 100 animals at least, I think we are going to find more," he said.
Martiano said those who rescue the animals carry a list including pictures of specific dogs and cats.
"We are walking around, trying to find some of them hiding under the buildings and some of them just walking around, so I hope we are going to find all of them."
Israeli singer Haya Samir spoke with Reuters and was unable to contain her joy after managing to go back to her house and rescue some of her cats.
They were left behind in the northern Israeli town of Shtula after Samir and several other residents were asked by the Israeli army to evacuate after conflict intensified on the border between Israel and Lebanon.
Leaving Shtula in a rush with only some of her cats, Samir said she was determined to return to collect the other cat.
"I will be back for the mother, we will be back for the peace," she assured.
Amid efforts to reunite displaced pets with their families, a hotline was established to allow people to pass on information about their pets to special task forces, Israeli media reported.
Workers then carry out rescue operations to bring the animals to a safe location to be reunited with their owners.
One of the organizers behind the initiative, Shay Weisberger, spoke with The Times of Israel and said "many animals have been left behind and their owners are begging for help".
He said several dog and cat owners have been contacting them to take care of getting their animals to safety.
"We call on those who are interested in serving as a foster home to contact us and offer their help."
He further urged those who still have animals left behind to contact the hotline at *6173 or 054-461-0963.
