Two months ago, Rose Romero faced a devastating loss when her service dog, Ivy, died under tragic circumstances. A water main break and gas leak forced Romero from her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sparking confusion over Ivy’s whereabouts. Initially, it was believed that Ivy had escaped, but it soon emerged that the dog had been trapped in the garage, where a partial roof collapse had occurred. Eventually, a concerned neighbor discovered Ivy’s lifeless body in the garage.
The Cause of Death
Following Ivy’s death, a necropsy conducted at the Petroglyph Animal Hospital revealed that the dog had died from asphyxiation. “Ivy actually died of asphyxiation,” Romero shared with KOAT. The examination indicated no broken bones, and the advanced decomposition suggested she had passed away quickly. Romero believes the cause was related to the gas leak, stating, “What that means is … that’s what killed her — the gas. She had no bruising, nothing. She just couldn’t breathe from the gas, I think.”
Romero recalled the strong smell of gas outside the garage, emphasizing the peril Ivy must have faced inside.
Advocacy for Change
While she finds solace in knowing Ivy did not suffer, Romero expressed frustration that first responders did not conduct a thorough search for Ivy during the emergency. This disappointment has fueled a grassroots campaign called “Justice For Ivy.” Romero aims to ensure that similar situations are handled differently in the future, advocating for “Ivy’s Law” to create new protocols for animal rescue during emergencies.
“We’re trying to focus now on Ivy’s Law,” Romero stated, “to create something to help service dogs, to take further steps to save the dog, not presume the dog is dead.” She clarified that she does not expect first responders to put themselves in danger, acknowledging the priority given to restoring water service to nearby apartments.
Community Support
Romero has received overwhelming support from her neighbors during this difficult time. As she navigates her temporary living situation, she is also on a waiting list for a new service dog, which she hopes to receive within a year at no cost.
Conclusion
Rose Romero’s journey illustrates the profound bond between service dogs and their owners, as well as the need for improved protocols to protect these vital companions during emergencies. Her advocacy for Ivy’s Law seeks to ensure that no other pet owner has to endure a similar loss, fostering a community that prioritizes the safety of both humans and their four-legged friends.
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