Frida: the Mexican rescue dog who has saved more than 52 lives

A labrador retriever has made global headlines following her rescue efforts in Mexico’s recent earthquakes. The local heroine, who goes by the name of Frida, is employed by the Mexican navy (SEMAR) to conduct search and rescue missions in the event of a natural disaster.

Frida’s efforts first came to light two weeks ago when an earthquake struck the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Wearing protective goggles, a khaki harness and two pairs of booties, the seven-year-old dog managed to detect the body of a Juchitan police officer and several others under the rubble.

After a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Mexico City on Tuesday leaving at least 250 people dead, the rescue dog and her canine colleagues were deployed to find survivors buried under the rubble.

Frida’s efforts have been praised across social media, with some suggesting she replace the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera on the 500-peso note.

The office of president Enrique Peña Nieto formally recognised the labrador’s determination and bravery on Twitter on Friday morning.

“This is Frida. She belongs to SEMAR and has helped save 52 lives in various natural disasters at national and international levels.”

According to an article published by El Heraldo de Mexico, Frida also runs training courses for other newly recruited dogs between the ages of one and five.