A hero rescue dog has passed away while searching for survivors of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
Proteo the German Shepherd has joined rescue efforts in Turkey after a massive, magnitude 7.8 quake killed at least 35,000 people in Syria and Turkey.
Unfortunately, the dedicated Mexican dog died while searching through the rubble just days after he was deployed along with search teams.
“Thank you Proteo for your heroic work, you fulfilled the Mexican Army’s mission,” the Mexican Ministry of Defense wrote in a statement.
“The members of the Mexican Army and Air Force deeply regret the loss of our great companion, the dog ‘Proteo,’ you fulfilled your mission as a member of the Mexican Delegation in the search and rescue of our brothers in Turkey. We are proud of you.”
While the search dog’s exact cause of death remains to be confirmed, it is believed that Proteo carried out vital rescue searches in Turkey for several days before the accident.
Speaking out was also a soldier who apparently worked alongside Proteo on the rescue mission.
“I want to tell you that I am proud of you, because you have always been a strong dog, a dog worker who never gave up,” the soldier expressed.
Photos of Proteo and his final moments have since begun circulating the social media where viewers praised him and other hardworking dogs who are assisting in nationwide searches for survivors.
“Thank you for your service,” someone wrote.
“Unlike his human counterparts, he didn’t volunteer. Yet he still did the job to the best of his abilities. We don’t deserve animals like this,” another said.
A third expressed: “Proteo: know that you’re a true hero and we truly mourn your loss.”
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