Rescue teams in Italy today pulled three puppies from the ruins of a mountain hotel buried by an avalanche six days ago.
A fire spokesman said the recovery of the puppies, who were in good condition, was a positive sign that there was hope for at least 20 people still trapped, despite worsening conditions as the snow turned to ice.
The rescue teams, who have so far rescued nine people, believe that under the ruins of the Hotel Rigopiano and about 120.000 tons of snow, there are air pockets in which there could be more survivors.
So far, the bodies of six dead people have been recovered from the buried hotel at the foot of the Gran Sasso ridge.
Three puppies, Meremansko-Abruža sheepdog breed, were found in the boiler room, and in order to reach them, the rescuers broke through the wall.
Their parents, Nuvola and Lupo, escaped an avalanche on January 18 and descended the mountain a few days ago.
Gallery
Bonus video:
