Tribute to Proteo, a Mexican rescue dog who died saving lives in the ruins left by the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey.
News of a specially trained German Shepherd arrived late Sunday from Adiyaman, one of 10 cities hit by earthquakes.
Local media reported that a military rescue dog, working alongside Mexican search and rescue teams, helped save at least two lives from the rubble before being badly injured in the line of duty.
The #Proteo hashtag was trending on Twitter on Monday as people paid tribute to the rescue dog.
Mexico also paid tribute to Proteo on Monday after Defense Minister Luis Crecencio Sandoval announced his death at President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s daily press conference.
“As members of the Mexican Army and Air Force, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our great comrade, the dog Proteo,” the Mexican Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) said in a statement.
“You have accomplished your mission…thank you for your heroic work,” the military tweeted.
Mexican rescuers gathered in Turkey on Sunday to pay tribute to Proteo.
“I want to say that I am proud of you because you have always been strong, hardworking and never gave up,” Proteo coach Villeda said in an emotional speech from the disaster area.
“All I can do is thank you for bringing me here. Unfortunately, you will not be able to return with me, I will always remember you. I hope all of Mexico will always remember you, they will never forget you. One day we will meet again,” he said.
Proteo was named after Proteus, the son of Poseidon in Greek mythology, who was believed to be able to predict the future.
It was one of more than a dozen dogs sent by Mexico along with 130 military personnel after the 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes that killed more than 35,000 people.
The famous Mexican rescue dogs are trained by the Ministry of Defense and the army. They are microchipped at the age of 3 months, after which they undergo intensive training at the age of 4 months to 1 year, after which they are assigned to various specialties, including disaster rescue.
