A rescue dog credited with saving at least seven people from the rubble of the April 16 earthquake in Ecuador has died. After days of searching for quake survivors, Dayko suffered heatstroke last week which then led to a heart attack, the City of Ibarra Fire Department said on Facebook.
The organization posted pictures of the 4-year-old Labrador in tribute to his heroism in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 temblor, which left at least 650 people dead.
Dayko was known for “his good sense of smell and charisma” and the “beautiful friendship” he established with his handler, Alex Yela, the department said.
Although veterinarians worked to save the dog’s life after he collapsed, they were unsuccessful in their efforts.
Dayko received a massive sendoff, with a funeral attended by dozens of firefighters and other rescue workers as well as his fellow rescue dogs.
