Mexico’s Ministry of Defense had loaned Turkey number of its famed search and rescue dogs following the devastating and deadly earthquake. However, one of the rescue dogs named Proteo died from exhaustion, after rescuing several people. To make up for the tragic loss, Turkey has now gifted Mexico with the cutest German shepherd puppy named Arkadas.

German shepherd pup gifted to Mexico by Turkey

The German shepherd puppy has arrived in Mexico after it was flown from Turkey as a gesture of gratitude from the Turkish government. Meanwhile, Mexico had sent search dogs to aid in the search and rescue mission launched after February’s deadly earthquake.

According to Reuters, Turkey said it hoped the pup would “carry on the legacy” of Proteo, the hero Mexican rescue dog who died. During the earthquake, which had its epicenter in Turkey but also hit Syria, more than 50,000 people died. Moreover, Mexico claims that Turkey’s gift shows that “humanitarian aid knows no limits or borders.” Of course, that also applies to Mexico kindly loaning its own talented dogs to Turkey.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense in Mexico, which is famous for its search and rescue dogs, asked the public to cast votes for one of three possible names: Proteo II, Arkadas (Turkish for friend), or Yardim (Turkish for help). It seems the name Arkadas came up tops.

Warm welcome for Arkadas in Mexico

Meanwhile, Arkadas received a warm welcome from Mexico’s Ministry of Defense at the airport in Mexico City. In fact, rescue dog trainers, who carry the pups they are training in pouches in front of them, stood to attention as the welcome new recruit arrived. Moreover, a banner was flown, reading “Welcome home.”

The reason for the success of their rescue dogs is the fact that Mexico is prone to earthquakes. The country has several civilian and military teams with canine units specially trained to search for survivors when earthquakes strike.

After they saved several lives during a 2017 earthquake, the rescue dogs won the hearts of the Mexican people.

After disaster struck in Turkey, Mexico sent several teams with rescue dogs to help to locate people in the rubble. Proteo the rescue dog died while on duty in Adiyaman, Turkey. Originally, rumors had said that the dog was hit by falling rubble. However, his trainer denied this, saying his K9 had died from “exhaustion” after both the long journey and the many hours of searching for survivors in cold conditions. Turkey returned his remains to Mexico, where he was honored in a ceremony before he was buried.

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Defense, Arkadas will be trained by the same trainer who cared for Proteo.

Rest in Peace, Proteo!