Tornado victims still waiting for the chance to look for lost pets

Four days after a tornado tore through Garland, some places are still too dangerous for storm victims. But those folks are anxious to get back to search for missing pets and other valuables.

Garland city officials said the Landmark Village West Apartments near Interstate 30 and Bobtown Road is hazardous and unsafe, even for firefighters.

But some residents are worried that their missing pets may still be alive and buried in the rubble. That’s upsetting to them.

“If someone could take me back there. I don’t care if someone has to go with me. I could go by myself. I just want to look for him. I think he’s in there,” said Alexis King, who hasn’t been able to find the puppy her daughter got for Christmas.

There is no timeline yet on when the complex will be deemed safe enough for residents to return.

Many residents said they are frustrated by the lack of information. Some are worried that the buildings will be demolished before they even have a chance to look.

“The frustration is we don’t know where our cats are. We have two cats that are missing. They ran out of the bathroom as the storm was coming in and we haven’t seen them since,” said David Ruiz. “We just want the same opportunity to see if our animals are still alive.”

The city of Garland said in a statement that 10 animals have already been rescued in the area and were taken to the city’s animal shelter. Animal Services crews will continue to search for lost and injured pets near the complex.