In April 2016, after rescuing seven people trapped in Pedernales, Ecuador following a devastating earthquake, rescue dog Dayko tragically passed away from exhaustion.
According to the Ibarra Fire Department, the four-year-old dog suffered a stroke while searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings. For more than three and a half hours, Dayko tirelessly worked alongside the rescue team in the scorching heat to locate victims.
When he showed signs of a heart attack, veterinarians did everything they could to save him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. It was reported that several other rescue dogs were also injured during the mission.
On Facebook, the Ibarra Fire Department wrote:
“This four-legged friend gave his life in the line of duty. Thank you, Dayko, for your heroic efforts in Pedernales and in many other emergencies.”
Dayko’s story deeply moved the online community, gaining tens of thousands of likes and shares. Many hailed him as a true hero.
Although some criticized the rescue team for overworking him, the fire department clarified that Dayko died from heat stroke, as dogs have difficulty regulating their body temperature in extreme conditions.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake on April 16, 2016, is considered the worst disaster in Ecuador’s history, leaving more than 600 people dead and over 12,000 injured.