Turkey sends Mexico a puppy after rescue dog died on earthquake rescue duty

Turkey gifted the Mexican army a new search puppy on Wednesday, in gratitude for a Mexican rescue dog who died while finding survivors after February’s earthquake on the Syrian border. 

The German Shepherd with black and beige fur is set to join Mexico’s canine unit, which specialized in finding survivors from earthquakes or other natural disasters. The three-month-old pup was named “Arkadas,” meaning “friend” in Turkish. 

Arkadas was welcomed by his colleagues into the force during a formal ceremony at a military base in Mexico City. He barked as the country’s national anthem played on the speakers. 

"Thanks to my friends from Mexico who welcomed me with great affection, I promise to do my best to be a great search and rescue dog," the Mexican defense ministry tweeted on behalf of the new pup.

Proteo was one of Mexico’s search dogs that were sent on a mission to Turkey after the devastating 7.8 earthquake struck the country near its border with Syria on February 6, causing more than 54,000 deaths.

During his mission, Proteo was able to locate a man and a woman who was stuck under the rubble of fallen buildings, along with 29 other victims. However, he died while on a mission in the town of Adiyaman after he was hit by falling rubble. Proteo was nine years old. 

Protreo, also a German Shepherd, had an emotional military funeral earlier this year, as Mexico paid its final goodbyes to the loyal dog. Turkey said they hoped Arkadas will “carry on the legacy” of Proteo. Arkadas will be trained by the same trainer who trained Proteo, the army said. 

Mexico said Turkey’s gift shows that “humanitarian aid knows no limits or borders.”

"Proteo will always be a symbol of the permanent friendship and solidarity between Mexico and Turkey," Turkish ambassador Ilhan Tug said during the ceremony in Mexico.