As rescue crews in Italy continue the search for nearly two dozen people missing in the ruins of a hotel buried by a powerful avalanche last week, hopes have been renewed that more victims could be found alive.

Five days after the deadly avalanche hit the Rigopiano Hotel, search and rescue teams discovered three puppies who had been trapped inside the rubble alive and well.

The animals had been found inside the boiler room of the hotel, after breaking through a wall in order to access it. It’s unsure if any puppies or people remain trapped, the discovery of these puppies could indicate other survivors who are still alive.

It comes as no surprise that discovery of the puppies has helped raise the spirits of the rescue workers considerably, providing not only a small bit of joy, but also encouragement and hope for more survivors.

Incredibly the puppies’ story gets even better, as it is revealed that their parents also survived the avalanche, having been swept away to a nearby town.

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