A cute canine named Frida is proving dogs really are a man’s best friend. A member of the Mexican Marines Canine Unit (SEMAR), the labrador retriever is being credited with sniffing out and saving lives in the aftermath of the 8.1-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Mexico on September 8, and the equally devastating 7.1-magnitude tremor that hit the Mexico City area on Tuesday.
At last tally, Frida has rescued 52 people from accidents and disasters over the course of her career. She recorded 12 of those saves this month alone tending to earthquake relief. As BuzzFeed reported, members of the canine until wear protective goggles to prevent eye damage from smoke and other toxins, while booties allow them traverse rough terrain without hurting her paws. A military-issued harness also helps with mobility.
Frida has become a bit of a celebrity in recent weeks, after SEMAR began sharing photos and videos of the adorable dog on social media.
Su valiosa ayuda y amor por el ser humano, hacen que de su máximo esfuerzo para salvar vidas #perrosrescatistas pic.twitter.com/jpidngFREV
— SEMAR México (@SEMAR_mx) September 21, 2017
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto even got in on the action, tweeting a collage of pictures showing Frida in action and thanking her for her service.
Ella es #Frida, pertenece a la @SEMAR_mx y ha ayudado a salvar 52 vidas en distintos desastres naturales a nivel nacional e internacional. pic.twitter.com/iLy87aCRFX
— Presidencia EPN 2012-2018 (@PresidenciaMX) September 13, 2017
Her celebrity has since gone global, with well-wishers around the world commending Frida and her fellow service dogs for the tireless work they do to save lives while simultaneously bringing a smile to everyone’s face.
Meet Frida. She's in the search & rescue division of the Mexican Navy along with two German shepherds. Sadly, she's been busy lately. 14/10 pic.twitter.com/82nlfkvodW
— WeRateDogs (@dog_rates) September 20, 2017
Frida (left) and Evil (right) these are the two doggies who saved the life of 52 people in Mexico earthquake pic.twitter.com/YuXznUXHDH
— Awww Thats Cute! (@awwwthatscute) September 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/Rodrigoddamn/status/910871274901172225
(H/T: Travel+Leisure)