Five rescue dogs were honored by Ecuador’s Fire Department on Monday at a ceremony marking their retirement after seven years of service.
The dogs, named Ares, Kratos, Zeus, Titan, and Gaia, were officially handed over to new adoptive owners after being part of the department’s first canine rescue unit, as reported by AP News.
The ceremony recognized their contributions in finding survivors during natural disasters both in Ecuador and abroad.
Lt. Col. Esteban Cardenas spoke about the dogs’ service, highlighting their involvement in rescue operations following earthquakes and landslides, including a notable mission to Mexico in 2017.
He said that veterinarian reports suggested it was time to retire the five dogs, adding: “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.”
The process of selecting new owners for the retiring dogs was thorough.
Cardenas emphasized the care taken in ensuring that the new homes met specific requirements to provide the best possible environment for the retired canines.
Each new owner had to demonstrate their ability to care for these former rescue dogs, ensuring their well-being post-service.
One of the new owners, Valeria Zevallos, expressed her excitement about adopting Gaia.
She said: “Many adventures await us now. After her work adventures, family adventures.” Zevallos was amazed by Gaia’s career and looked forward to providing a loving home for her.
The rescue dogs played a crucial role in various disaster relief operations.
Their efforts were pivotal in locating survivors in challenging conditions, providing essential support to rescue teams.
The department’s use of German shepherds and golden retrievers proved effective in these missions.
The ceremony not only celebrated their service but also underscored the importance of canine units in emergency response efforts.
Cardenas praised the dogs for their dedication and bravery, noting that their work had made a significant impact on countless lives.
The retirement of these dogs marks the end of an era for the department’s rescue unit, but their legacy will continue to inspire future canine teams.
As the first class of rescue dogs retires, the department looks ahead to training and deploying a new generation of canines.
The experience gained from working with Ares, Kratos, Zeus, Titan, and Gaia will inform future training programs, ensuring that the department continues to improve its rescue capabilities.
The retirement ceremony served as a moment of reflection and gratitude for the contributions of these extraordinary animals.
It highlighted the bond between the rescue teams and their canine partners, emphasizing the value of their collaboration in saving lives.
