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3 March 2023
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'Heroic' rescue dog who died searching for earthquake survivors in Turkey honoured in home country
Mexico has paid tribute to a “heroic” rescue dog who died while searching for survivors buried beneath the rubble of the earthquakes in Turkey. The dog, a German Shephard named Proteo, was one of more than a dozen deployed by Mexico to assist in the disaster response efforts. Proteo died while on duty in the town of Adiyaman, the Mexican army reported.
Defence Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval announced the animal’s death at a daily press conference. "You accomplished your mission... thank you for your heroic work," the military said on Twitter.
"You were always a strong, hard-working dog who never gave up. I will always remember you," one rescuer who served alongside Proteo said.
Mexico has also deployed 130 military personnel to assist in the clean-up.
‘I’m proud of my dog’
Expressing her feelings about Proteo’s death, Villeda said, “I am proud of my dog, especially because it is recognised as a wonderful dog. And I’m proud not only of my own dog but of all the other dogs that come here and participate in the work, and I want them to be recognised as great dogs too.” It is stated that the relationship between Villeda and Proteo started when the dog was four months old when he received search and rescue, narcotic and explosive substance detection.
He has worked in many disaster areas
Proteo participated in many rescue efforts in Turkey and Mexico, where it came after the earthquake disaster on 6 February. He also participated in search and rescue efforts after the landslides in Guatemala in 2015, the earthquakes in Ecuador in 2016 and Haiti in 2021. A member of a military police brigade in Mexico City, Proteo was born on 13 June 2013 and was almost nine years and eight months old when he died on 12 February 2023. Proteo’s death was met with great sadness in both Mexico and Turkey.
Sources: Euro News, Expat Guide, Reuters
Defence Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval announced the animal’s death at a daily press conference. "You accomplished your mission... thank you for your heroic work," the military said on Twitter.
"You were always a strong, hard-working dog who never gave up. I will always remember you," one rescuer who served alongside Proteo said.
Mexico has also deployed 130 military personnel to assist in the clean-up.
‘I’m proud of my dog’
Expressing her feelings about Proteo’s death, Villeda said, “I am proud of my dog, especially because it is recognised as a wonderful dog. And I’m proud not only of my own dog but of all the other dogs that come here and participate in the work, and I want them to be recognised as great dogs too.” It is stated that the relationship between Villeda and Proteo started when the dog was four months old when he received search and rescue, narcotic and explosive substance detection.
He has worked in many disaster areas
Proteo participated in many rescue efforts in Turkey and Mexico, where it came after the earthquake disaster on 6 February. He also participated in search and rescue efforts after the landslides in Guatemala in 2015, the earthquakes in Ecuador in 2016 and Haiti in 2021. A member of a military police brigade in Mexico City, Proteo was born on 13 June 2013 and was almost nine years and eight months old when he died on 12 February 2023. Proteo’s death was met with great sadness in both Mexico and Turkey.
Sources: Euro News, Expat Guide, Reuters
