A dog rescued seven people from the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Ecuador last week.
However, the four-year-old white Labrador, named Dayko, died from exhaustion. He died last Friday after spending days searching for survivors in the rubble that was caused by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit the South American country.
The Ibara fire service’s Facebook page posted an update on Dayko, saying he suffered a “massive coronary myocardial infarction and acute respiratory failure,” reported The Telegraph. Dayko had been working as a rescue dog for three years.
“We regret to inform you that today the [fire service] is in mourning because [we] just lost Dayko who participated in the work of searching in Pedernales,” wrote the fire service. “This four legged friend gave his life in the line of duty. Thank you Dayko for your heroic efforts in Pedernales and in various emergencies where you were present.
“You held high the name of the K9 unit.”
About 650 people died in the earthquake, and thousands more were injured.
The fire department explained more about his service.
It said, “Dayko joined our canine program when he was just a year old.”
“Since his arrival, he captivated us with his compassionate gaze and his friendly character.”
He will be buried with full honors.
Fireman Alex Yela said “One time he dragged me all the way to a lake cause he loved water,” reported The Express. “Luckily I had a ball with me to draw him out of there, cause there was no power in this world that could get him out of a swim.”
