More than "the best friend": some times those who save lives are our canine friends.
So far, we shared with the Steemit community some stories of admirable people who spend much of their time and resources saving the lives of animals in difficult situations. But what about the cases when animals are the ones that save lives?
During the devastating earthquake that struck Mexico this September 19, the work of the rescue dogs of the Mexican Navy reminded us about the admirable and important task that many dogs perform to save and help human lives. That is why we want to pay a tribute to all the dogs that perform these tasks.
A very special rescue group: Frida, Eco, Evil
On September 19, 2017 Mexico was shaken by an earthquake in which more than 300 people died, thousands of people were injured and dozens of buildings of the city collapsed. However, our relatives and close friends who lived the experience in this country told us that it was not all tragedy: the citizens expressed solidarity and turned to the aid tasks, they organized brigades to collaborate with the rescuers and helped the victims with water, food, blankets and other materials.
In addition to volunteer citizens, international brigaders, medical teams, those who helped with their talent and knowledge, the reconstruction and rebuild the country again, there were also other heroes who moved Mexico and world: the rescue dogs of the Mexican Navy.
They are Frida, Eco and Evil: three of the dogs trained by the Canine Section of the General Headquarters of the Ministry of Marine of Mexico to search for missing persons after a disaster. Echo and Evil are Belgian shepherds, and Frida is a Labrador Retriever. The three collaborated in the rescue efforts after the September 19 earthquake struck Mexico.
Let’s get to work! How is the work of a rescuer dog?
Rescue dogs carry a special safety equipment to carry out their work: lenses that protect your eyes from smoke, dust and other environmental particles; booties to protect their pads, and a harness with which they can ascend and descend from confined or complicated places. In addition, they always work in tandem with their coach.
The refined smell of dogs and their special training allows them to locate people under the rubble detecting the aroma of adrenaline that release the people in panic. These dogs work in 25 minutes turns several times each day during a rescue mission.
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On the other hand, they are skilled animals to access confined places, and since they weigh less than a human, is easier to them to walk through the rubble. The agent of his binomial, Manuel, said in an interview that was made by a Mexican newscast that Frida enters with caution to confined places, always measures the danger and gives a hint to help it to move in complicated places.
Manuel and Frida know that they depend on each other to carry out their work and remain safe during the mission. Manuel knows when Frida can not give more, so they both take care of each other to successfully accomplish their task.
Frida: the labrador dog that inspires the world
Frida began to be trained from 2 months of age to find people among the rubble. At six, she is the most experienced rescue dog team. Like her fellow rescuers, Frida's training lasted between 12 and 14 months. After having completed 6 years with her work, Frida is now about to retire.
His career as a rescuer is remarkable: he participated in several rescue missions in several four countries in Latin America, such as the landslides of Guatemala and the earthquake in Ecuador, and of course, after the earthquake in Mexico. In addition, Frida has helped rescue 56 people throughout her career.
His outstanding work has inspired and touched many people in Mexico and in the world. Piñatas have been made in her honor, drawings and also a person tattooed her face. In the social networks circulates notes of $ 500 Mexican pesos with Frida the rescuer replacing Frida Kalho. In Japan and China is also known, and people call her "Marina" because is writen on her vest.
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The work of Frida and her fellow canine rescuers has given hope and joy to Mexicans and many people around the world in the midst of a daunting situations.
What we can learn from this story?
The work of the rescue teams shows us the synergy that can exist between people and animals. When working together, caring for the welfare of both, humans and dogs can achieve a great and noble mission.