Ecuador: Fire department honors five rescue dogs during retirement
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Five rescue dogs were honored by Ecuador’s Fire Department on Monday at a ceremony formally retiring them after seven years of service and turning them over to new adoptive owners.
Lt. Col. Esteban Cardenas said the dogs — Ares, Kratos, Zeus, Titan and Gaia — were part of the first class of canines used by the department’s rescue unit, which works with German shepherds and golden retrievers.
Cardenas recalled some of their feats, including aiding in finding survivors of earthquakes and landslides across Ecuador and abroad, including a mission to Mexico in 2017.
He said veterinarian reports had suggested it was time to retire the five dogs.
“Today for us is a day of mixed feelings. We really would not want them to leave. We would have liked to have them with us in our ranks,” Cardenas said.
The dogs’ new owners were selected carefully after meeting certain requirements, he said.
Gaia’s new owner, Valeria Zevallos, said she was amazed by her new pet’s previous career of saving lives.
“Many adventures await us now. After her work adventures, family adventures,” she said.
Related articles
Progressive prosecutor in Portland, Oregon, seeks to fend off tough
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — In Oregon’s Multnomah County, home to Portland, the progressive district attor2024-05-22Woman who thought she had pinkeye was actually suffering a 'functional' STROKE
A woman who thought she was suffering pinkeye was actually having a stroke.Nicole Lamoureux, 51, a T2024-05-22TOWIE's Chloe Meadows and Sophie Kasaei put on busty displays in form
The TOWIE cast gathered in an Essex pub to film scenes for the reality show and celebrate Harry Derb2024-05-22Children addicted to tech including smartphones are more at risk of psychosis, study suggests
Children addicted to smartphones, iPads and video games are more likely to suffer psychotic episodes2024-05-22Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for June delivery fell 26 cents to $79.80 per barrel Monday. Brent crude fo2024-05-22Gazelle with SIX LEGS is photographed in Israel
A six-legged gazelle was spotted prancing in Israel by a member of the nation's defense forces.The a2024-05-22
atest comment