Mexico’s military on Wednesday welcomed in a special ceremony its most attractive new member, a puppy that will be trained to participate in search and rescue operations, a gift to Turkey following the death in the line of duty of a wolfdog from Mexico. in search of survivors of the devastating earthquakes on February 6 that swept the southern part of Turkish territory and the northern part of Syria.

The three-month-old German Shepherd will join the Mexican Army’s world-famous troop of specially trained dogs as they go in search of survivors in a country prone to earthquakes and natural disasters.

The pup, with black and brown fur, erect ears and huge paws, was named “Arkantas” (“friend” in Turkish) after a digital vote.

According to the Mexican military, Arcadas will be taken over by a trainer who took care of Proteo, a dog that died during a search and rescue operation in Turkey.

Mexico sent rescue teams to Turkey after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February caused widespread destruction across Turkey and Syria, killing at least 54,000 people in both countries.

Proteo, also a German Shepherd, was buried earlier this year with full military honors in Mexico.

Arcandas, who wore a khaki collar with a tiny Mexican flag, was greeted Wednesday at an official ceremony at a military base in the Mexican capital. The puppy barked to the national anthem, and his new pack of soldiers and dogs stood to attention.

On behalf of Arcadas, the Mexican Ministry of Defense tweeted: “Thank you to my Mexican friends who welcomed me with much love, I promise to do my best to be a great search and rescue dog.”

Source: RES-IPE