Colombian Lawyer Dies Shielding Blind Dog in 7.4-Quake That Has Killed 294

Q: What will happen to the grieving, disabled dog left behind after his owner gave her life to protect him during the Colombian earthquake?

Salomon is expected to remain with Lenny Ruiz’s family, who recovered him alive and have already taken responsibility for his care after her death. The reporting shows that Ruiz’s brother, Michael Ruiz, and sister-in-law, Jessica Florez, are now the people publicly caring for the 12-year-old dog. They rescued him from the rubble, described his condition, and brought him to Ruiz’s funeral so he could “say goodbye.” There is no indication in the available reports that he will be surrendered or placed for adoption. What comes next is likely continued family care and veterinary support. Salomon is blind and suffers from epileptic seizures, and rescue reports said he was found with a paw injury and scrapes but in stable condition. Because of his age and disabilities, he will need close supervision, medication management if prescribed, and a calm home environment, especially as he appears to be grieving. His future therefore appears clear in practical terms: he survived because Ruiz protected him, and her relatives are now the most likely long-term guardians. Publicly, the family has framed keeping him safe as part of honoring Ruiz’s final act of love.

3 articles · Updated · The Straits Times · Aug 16

Lenny Ruiz was found dead beneath collapsed rubble in Cali after relatives said she shielded her 12-year-old blind dog, Salomon, with her body during Colombia’s Aug. 10 earthquake.
Michael Ruiz said rescuers dug the dog out alive beside her body; Salomon, who suffers epileptic seizures, survived the building collapse that killed his owner.
294 people have died and nearly 4,000 were injured in the 7.4-magnitude quake, which struck western Colombia and hit Cali among the hardest.
Salomon’s survival and a video of him atop Ruiz’s coffin have drawn tens of thousands of views, as many owners still search for pets missing six days after the disaster.