Mexican rescue dog dies while searching for survivors in Turkey
A valiant rescue dog from Mexico has lost its life while examining debris for earthquake survivors in Turkey.
Proteo was sent to Turkey as part of a major global effort following the catastrophic earthquake that has killed over 35,000 people so far.
The Mexican Defense Ministry released a statement on Sunday, February 12: "We thank Proteo for your heroic work, you completed the Mexican Army's mission."
The statement added: "The members of the Mexican Army and Air Force feel deep sorrow for the loss of our great companion, the dog 'Proteo'. You completed your duty as a member of the Mexican team in the search and rescue of our brothers in Turkey. We feel proud of you."
The cause of Proteo's death remains unclear, but reports indicate he spent many days performing vital search operations for survivors in affected areas.
The loyal canine, named Proteo, passed away during his search for survivors in the rubble after traveling from Mexico to Turkey to join rescue teams, according to local reports.
Many social media users have honored Proteo for his service, while others requested additional information about how the brave search dog died.
An image appeared on social media allegedly showing Proteo after his final assignment.
One soldier participating in the rescue work in Turkey reportedly stated: "I want to tell you that I am proud of you, because you have always been a strong dog, a hardworking dog who never quit."
Proteo was among ten dogs deployed from Mexico to Turkey to assist in finding earthquake survivors.
A picture shared on social media apparently shows Proteo lying in a vehicle trunk with what appears to be an IV in his front leg, with text stating: "He has completed the mission".
To date, the Mexican Defense Ministry has not provided details on the dog's cause of death, with Mexican news sources reporting it happened while he was searching through debris for survivors.
Rescue workers are racing against time to extract people from the rubble, with many countries sending specialists to help with the effort.
Turkey and Syria Earthquake Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue
At least 35,000 individuals have died in the earthquakes that ruined vast regions of Turkey and Syria last week.
The initial 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck early Monday morning in southern Turkey, causing widespread destruction across the southern part of the country and northern Syria.
A second earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude hit the same area again at 11:24am local time on Monday, resulting in additional devastation.
The Mexican Defense Ministry stated on Sunday, February 12: "Thank you Proteo for your heroic work, you completed the Mexican Army's mission."
They further expressed: "The members of the Mexican Army and Air Force feel profound sadness for the loss of our great companion, the dog 'Proteo'. You fulfilled your task as a member of the Mexican Delegation in the search and rescue of our brothers in Turkey. We are proud of you."
A soldier involved in the rescue operations in Turkey reportedly declared: "I want to tell you that I am proud of you, because you have always been a strong dog, a hardworking dog who never surrendered."
Proteo was one of ten canines dispatched from Mexico to Turkey to assist with locating earthquake survivors.