TURKEY — Brave Mexican search-and-rescue dog Proteo ended his watch on February 12, 2023. He was on duty searching for survivors in Turkey when a building collapsed, burying him under the rubble.
One of the 16 rescue dogs sent by the Mexican government to help find survivors of the devasting earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria has died.
Proteo was reported to be on duty at Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, when a building collapsed and buried the brave dog. He was pulled from the rubble quickly and provided with medical interventions. However, Proteo did not survive and died a brave hero.
The Mexican Ministry of National Defense released a statement about the loss of their “great comrade, the dog named Proteo.”
“As members of the Mexican Army and Air Force, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our great comrade, the dog named Proteo. You fulfilled your duty as a part of the Mexican team in the search and rescue efforts we carried out for our brothers in Turkey. Thank you for your heroic work,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, his handler, Private Villeda, commended his partner as a “strong, hard-working dog who never gave up.”
“Unfortunately, you will not be able to return home with me, I will always remember you. I hope all of Mexico always remembers you, never forgets you. Someday we will see each other again,” Villeda said.
Mexican rescue teams in Turkey have gathered to mourn the loss and pay homage to Proteo through a ceremony.
Proteo saved two lives while he was in Turkey.
Thank you and fly high, Proteo. – WhatALife!
Also read: Search-and-rescue dogs lead in finding Turkey-Syria earthquake victims
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