While Mexico remains in mourning for the almost 300 people who lost their lives to the devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the country, one Navy Rescue Dog has become a source of pride and inspiration, with images of her going viral on social media. Frida, the seven-year-old yellow Labrador, with her goggles and custom-made boots, is the leading Navy rescue dog in the search for victims, having uncovered more than 40 bodies and saving at least 12 people’s lives after finding them under the rubble.

Mexico’s most successful Navy rescue dog lauded

As reported by the Guardian, the Mexican Navy says Frida has a success rate which far outweighs other rescue dogs, but not only in the current earthquake in Mexico City. Last year she was involved in a search and rescue mission following Ecuador’s earthquake and she was also put to work on the earlier earthquake two weeks ago in Oaxaca, Mexico. She also put her nose to ground after the gas explosion in Mexico City back in 2013. Vallarta Daily reports that in total, Frida has saved more than 52 people.

According to Navy Captain Armando Segura, the total number rescued and found by Frida is not yet complete, as the rescue dog is still out there in the streets of the city, attempting to save lives.

Of the 52 buildings that collapsed in the earthquake, rescuers are still digging through the rubble in the hope of finding victims. However, Frida’s main efforts were focused on the school where 19 children and six adults were killed during the earthquake, with 11 children rescued and saved.

Other rescue dogs put their noses to the test

Frida wasn’t alone in her work as two other members of the Mexican Navy’s canine unit were involved in the search.

Ecko and Evil, two 18-month-old Belgian shepherds, were also involved. Rescue dogs from the Mexican army were also put to work, with one dog, Maya finding two bodies on Thursday. Other rescue dogs have also been brought in from Chile and the United States to help in the search.

Comfortable retirement in Frida’s future

However, according to Israel Arauz – Frida’s handler for the last two years – no other rescue dog can match the Labrador. He said he is proud to work with Frida, saying she is a “very special dog.” Frida will reportedly only be able to continue her work as a rescue dog for around one more year, as her olfactory senses will start to decline with age.

The lucky dog will then get to retire from a successful career and will end up living with her loving handler.

In the meanwhile, Frida is starring on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Reddit and proposals were even made that the rescue dog be the star on future 500 peso notes.
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