Türkiye sends puppy to Mexico in gratitude for Proteo, rescue dog who died a hero

By Dilara Hamit

ISTANBUL (AA) – In an emotional arrival, a German shepherd puppy set paw in Mexico on Wednesday after being flown there by Türkiye in honor of Proteo, the famed Mexican rescue dog who died while searching for survivors in the rubble of Feb. 6 earthquakes.

The Mexican Defense Ministry, which trains search and rescue canines for work both at home and abroad, has yet to name the future hero dog, but put three possibilities up for a public vote: Proteo 2 (honoring his predecessor), Arkadas (“friend” in Turkish), or Yardim (“help” in Turkish).

Mexico said Türkiye's gift of the capable young pup shows that “humanitarian aid knows no limits or borders.”

The Mexican army plans to train the puppy for search and rescue missions.

Proteo, a specially trained 9-year-old canine, who served with a Mexican search and rescue team in Adiyaman, Türkiye, died this February in the line of duty, from exhaustion due to the long trip and extended duty in the quake zone, said his trainer.

But before his sacrifice, Proteo helped locate and save at least one woman and one man from the earthquake rubble. He was later honored in a ceremony and buried in his home country, Mexico.