Missing Dog Survives Flood and Returns After Two Weeks
A dog named Heaven returned home in Cebu City two weeks after being swept away by the floods caused by Typhoon Tino. His owner, Emmanuel Llenos, called the dog’s return an unexpected blessing, especially after everything his family went through during the disaster.
On November 4, 2025, severe flooding forced Emmanuel and his wife to escape to the third floor of a neighbor’s house. They managed to bring their smaller dogs but could not reach Heaven in time because the water rose too quickly. When the flood subsided, the couple discovered that Heaven was missing. They searched the area, posted online, and repeatedly returned to their damaged home, hoping the dog would reappear.
The family had to move to another place because their house was no longer safe. Still, they continued checking their old home for any sign of Heaven. Days passed with no clues, and they began losing hope.
On Emmanuel’s third visit to the house—during an interview with GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak—Heaven was suddenly there, waiting for him with muddy paws. Emmanuel said the moment felt unreal and deeply comforting after two weeks of uncertainty.
He believes Heaven’s return is good karma from an act he did during the storm. While the floodwaters were rising, Emmanuel rescued a woman clinging to an electric post, even though he did not know how to swim. He said he acted out of fear that the woman would be swept away. He admitted feeling guilty afterward because his 74-year-old mother and child were also calling for help at the same time. Despite this, he prayed that he had made the right choice. Both his mother and child survived.
For Emmanuel, Heaven’s return brought relief after days of fear and sadness. The dog’s survival and journey home became a rare bright moment after the destruction caused by Typhoon Tino, reminding the family that even after disaster, hope can still find its way back.