Sandy victims reunite with pets after the storm

NEW YORK (WHDH) -- Many pets and owners that were separated during Hurricane Sandy are finally being reunited. Those who lost everything said they feel lucky to have their furry friends back.

“Everything is gone. Everything,” said one victim, who held his two dogs tight.

As Sandy approached, officials in the northeast told residents to evacuate and New York Mayor Bloomberg warned residents to take their pets with them.

“Do not leave your pet at home because you do not know when you will be able to get back,” he said.

But, not everyone heeded the warnings.

In New Jersey, about 200 pets are in a temporary shelter run by the humane society of the United States.

Many animals here are accounted for, but since not all evacuation shelters allow pets, it may be some time before their owners can reclaim them.

But, there are four-legged survivors without owners, like Max, who survived after a tree fell on him. Tragically that tree killed his owner and her friend.

“We didn't think he was going to make it for the first 48 hours and then his strength and his will to live just really, really shone through. Now he's going to bring some comfort and joy to, to the parents who have really lost everything,” said Brett Levitzke, Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group medical director.

The ASPCA is helping a group of displaced New Yorkers and their pets move to an animal-friendly shelter.

“Not having a pet here would be like not having a member of the family member here,” said one displaced Sandy victim.

“As long as we have these guys and each other, we're never alone,” said a 13-year-old victim of Sandy.

Happy reunions after a harrowing ordeal, as people count their blessings in the midst of devastation and loss.