QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Five rescue dogs were honored by Ecuador’s Fire Department on Monday at a ceremony formally retiring them after seven years of service and turning them over to new adoptive owners.
Lt. Col. Esteban Cardenas said the dogs — Ares, Kratos, Zeus, Titan and Gaia — were part of the first class of canines used by the department’s rescue unit, which works with German shepherds and golden retrievers.
Cardenas recalled some of their feats, including aiding in finding survivors of earthquakes and landslides across Ecuador and abroad, including a mission to Mexico in 2017.
He said veterinarian reports had suggested it was time to retire the five dogs.
“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,” Cardenas said.
The dogs’ new owners were selected carefully after meeting certain requirements, he said.
Gaia’s new owner, Valeria Zevallos, said she was amazed by her new pet’s previous career of saving lives.
“Many adventures await us now. After her work adventures, family adventures,” she said.
Germany and Real Madrid great Toni Kroos to retire after Euro 2024
The yearly memorial march at the former death camp at Auschwitz overshadowed by the Israel
Berkshire Hathaway event gives good view of Warren Buffett's successor
It's 20 years since the last ever episode of Friends. But from body
Kansas takes control in the ninth and beats Kansas State in the opener of the Big 12 Tournament
US and Philippine forces stage combat drills near strategic channel off southern Taiwan
Janet Jackson to play 2024 Essence Fest instead of the Smoothie King Center this summer
Tom Brady roast: Netflix live event features Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick reunion
Seoul AI summit opens with companies including Google, Meta, OpenAI pledging to develop AI safely
Georgia's attorney general says Savannah overstepped in outlawing guns in unlocked cars
Guardians ruin Francisco Lindor's Cleveland homecoming, trip Mets 3
Radek Faksa scores in return, Stars oust defending Stanley Cup champ Golden Knights 2