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Hero Dog Who Rescued People Trapped Under Ecuador Earthquake Rubble Dies — Dayko Suffered A Heart Attack From Sunstroke

By Alap Naik Desai
Published on: 00:55 PST, Apr 27, 2016

A rescue dog that saved multiple victims trapped under rubble following the April 16 earthquake in Ecuador has died. Hero dog Dayko suffered a massive heart attack brought on by heat stroke. He had been working hard, combing the urban landscape searching for people, and most likely died from complications due to exhaustion.

Dayko is being honored as a hero for rescuing people in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Ecuador. The dog has been credited with saving at least seven victims who would have surely died had it not been for the rescue dog scurrying amidst the rubble to find them.

The poor dog, a Labrador, collapsed from exhaustion and sunstroke. He later suffered a massive heart attack and died. Dayko was just 4-years-old. Confirming the death of the hero dog, the City of Ibarra Fire Department posted a tribute on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/bomberos.ibarra/posts/923363891095460

The organization has posted multiple photos of the Dayko in tribute to his heroism in the aftermath of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, reported the Huffington Post. The devastating earthquake and the extensive damage has so far claimed the lives of least 650 people.

About 2,527 people have been treated for injuries. Authorities are still trying to take stock of the situation, and hundreds still remain missing or unaccounted for. As reported by the Inquisitr, many neighboring countries have dispatched rescue crews, firefighters, medics, canine teams, and hazardous materials (hazmat) experts to assist in one of the largest the search and rescue operations.

Dayko worked with the Ibara fire service and has been working alongside other rescue workers and canine units.

Speaking about the hero dog, the department said, “Dayko was known for his good sense of smell and charisma, and the beautiful friendship he established with his handler, Alex Yela. He spent several days searching for survivors after the magnitude-7.8 earthquake.”

However, the intensity of the operation and sheer exhaustion caused the dog to suffer a heatstroke, added fire service officials.

“The resilient pup collapsed on Friday and died from a massive coronary myocardial infarction and acute respiratory failure. This four legged friend gave his life in the line of duty. Thank you, Dayko, for your heroic efforts in Pedernales and in various emergencies where you were present.

“You held high the name of the K9 unit.”

Dayko’s funeral was attended by hundreds of people as well as dozens of firefighters and other rescue workers. Many K9 units also paid their respects to the brave dog who laid down his life and paid the ultimate price while helping mankind.

Officials added that veterinarians worked hard to save the hero dog’s life after he collapsed. However, despite their best efforts, the dog perished. It is quite likely that the dog worked very hard. Many feel Dayko may have survived if he would have been rested or taken off the rescue efforts for a few days.

https://www.facebook.com/bomberos.ibarra/posts/925094740922375

During his tenure as a rescue dog, Dayko had earned numerous awards and received national and international certifications during his three and a half years of service with the team, reported the Daily Mail. He was instrumental in a number of rescues in several areas, including Ibarra and Pedernales.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake has been quite devastating to Ecuador. Moreover, the region has suffered more than 230 aftershocks after the earthquake struck on April 16. President Correa had declared a state of emergency in six provinces, prompting the state to send 10,000 military troops and over 5,000 police officers to the afflicted areas. With the primary modes of transportation inaccessible due to extensive damage to roads and bridges, the rescue efforts are being hindered.

[Image via Cuerpo De Bomberos Ibarra Ibarra/Facebook]

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