A tiny chihuahua has been rescued from the burnt-out shell of the Perth fire – after surviving for nearly two weeks in the damaged tenement.
The puppy called Vilo was feared dead in the Scott Street fire on June 14.
But she was spotted in the window of the building by nearby residents, prompting an incredible rescue effort.
Katie McCandless from the charity Missing Pets Perth and Kinross said Vilo’s story offers “a little bit of hope in some dark times”.
“She really is a miracle dog,” she added.
Delicate operation to rescue dog from Scott Street fire scene
Perth and Kinross Council reached out to Missing Pets Perth and Kinross for advice after Vilo was spotted.
Once restrictions over the site of the fire were removed, the charity’s volunteers flew a drone over the tenement and used thermal imaging to pinpoint her location.
They then provided traps for demolition workers to put out each night containing food and water.
Cameras inside showed Vilo taking enough to survive – but not venturing far enough inside to set the traps off.
It was only when clothes belonging to her owners were placed in the crates that the rescue team were able to bring Vilo back down to ground level on Friday – almost two weeks after the fire.
Missing Pets Perth and Kinross say special thanks have to go to the team at Reigart Contracts, who are leading the demolition of the Scott Street building and who did everything possible to locate Vilo and pluck her to safety.
Katie added: “We knew it was a delicate situation and had to be handled sensitively, a lot of residents have lost everything.”
Vilo was taken to a vet to be checked over and, remarkably, is suffering no ill effects.
It appears she had managed to make herself a bed in a wardrobe, where she escaped the noise and disruption of the demolition work going on around her during the day.
Katie said: “She does not have a single mark on her and her paw pads are completely fine.
“She smells a bit of smoke but had minimal smoke inhalation.”
Rescue underlines kindness in wake of Perth blaze
Vilo belongs to the Ridaj family, who stayed on the top floor of the tenement.
Her name means “to live” or “to thrive and flourish” in Slovakian.
Dad Maros said: “We are very happy that the dog is safe and has been returned to us.”
Councillor Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council and ward member for Perth City Centre, thanked everyone who helped return Vilo to her family safely.
“We know there are people still grieving after the fire because of the loss of loved ones, the loss of their homes and the impact on businesses nearby,” he said.
“But this amazing rescue is emblematic of the kindness people have shown in the wake of the tragedy – and the extra mile people have been willing to go to help others affected by this awful situation.”
One person died in the Scott Street fire and a number of others were injured.
Around 50 families had to flee their homes, though some have been able to return.
But businesses have been warned they may face months of disruption while the building is demolished.
Conversation