An incredible act has been performed by the leadership of Izmir Municipality, who opted to honor Proteo, the late Mexican rescue canine, by creating a mural in this Turkish city.
Proteo, the K9 German Shepherd, sustained fatal injuries during a rescue operation while attempting to save individuals trapped in debris following a catastrophic earthquake that struck Southeastern Turkey.
This dedicated dog traveled thousands of kilometers with its rescue squad from Mexico to assist the citizens of Turkey, and the populace will always remember his contributions.
Proteo, a 9-Year-Old Rescue Canine, Saved 3 Lives Following The Turkey Earthquake
This nine-year-old canine rescued three individuals from the debris in Adiyaman, a city in Turkey. Proteo’s outstanding work ethic, combined with his extensive experience from prior missions, significantly assisted his colleagues in this particular operation.
Previously, Proteo participated in saving lives following catastrophic earthquakes in Haiti, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Mexico. He was recognized as one of Mexico’s top rescue dogs, which led the rescue team to deploy him for the recent mission in Turkey.
He was just a few months away from celebrating his tenth birthday, but regrettably, this GSD concluded his courageous journey in March of this year.
This Hero Dog Passed Away In Adiyaman After A Building Collapse
Tragically, Proteo was unable to survive after a structure collapsed, resulting in fatal injuries during one of his rescue operations. While the official report states that he died from a landslide, his comrades assert that there were several contributing factors to his demise.
“His death was not solely due to a landslide; the adverse weather conditions in the region, as well as his age, played significant roles.”
The medical staff attempted to revive him, but their efforts were in vain.
Proteo gave everything for Turkey, for the people of Turkey, and this time, he held nothing back.
His Partner And Trainer, Carlos Villeda Masquez, Was Heartbroken
Juan Carlos Villeda Masquez, the handler of Proteo, was profoundly heartbroken following the loss of his companion. The two shared years of collaboration in rescue missions around the globe, forming a deep bond and a genuine partnership.
He honored his rescue partner by reminiscing about the experiences they shared together. His fellow team members in Mexico also commemorated him similarly.
Individuals Worldwide Paid Their Respects To Proteo
The tale of Proteo, the heroic Mexican GSD, quickly gained attention. Individuals across the globe paid their respects to this rescue canine on social media platforms, highlighting the significance of trained dogs in rescue operations.
People expressed their admiration for Proteo on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, showing heartfelt gratitude for all that this dog accomplished for the citizens of Turkey.
Proteo Received A Mural, A Statue, And A Video Game Tribute
Proteo not only received a mural in Izmir. One of the municipalities in Istanbul chose to honor this Mexican dog with a statue, commemorating his noble service and establishing it as a symbol of compassion during what can only be described as the worst of times.
Additionally, Bahtiyar Ardin, a game developer from Turkey, decided to commemorate Proteo in a unique yet remarkable manner. He incorporated Proteo’s character into a game called “Death Relives,” thereby immortalizing his contributions.
This particular gesture, alongside numerous others, highlighted the remarkable qualities of humanity during these challenging times, while also emphasizing that the bond between humans and dogs will always endure.