India, Oct. 27 -- When Taal Volcano erupted in January 2020, the landscape around the Philippine volcano was transformed almost overnight. Ash darkened the surroundings, roads and communities were evacuated, and thousands of people were forced to leave their homes. But amid the destruction, one familiar face was still waiting on the volcanic island.

According to PETA Asia, rescuers feared they would never see Palakitik again after the eruption began on January 12. But when the animal rescue team reached Taal Island on January 15 and called her name from their boat, the dog came running through the ash to greet them. Palakitik, a community dog known to the rescue workers for years, was alive and was taken off the island for veterinary car...