TITLE: In memory of Proteo, Frida, and Pinky, canines who participated in search and rescue efforts in the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

SUMMARY: In memory of Proteo, Frida, and Pinky, canines who participated in search and rescue efforts in the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, On February 6, 2023, a powerful earthquake struck southeastern Turkey and the northwest region of Syria, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities and catastrophic damage throughout the area; and WHEREAS, Governments around the world responded quickly to requests for assistance, deploying rescue teams and providing aid for the nearly 18 million people in Turkey and Syria who were impacted by the disaster; among those who were involved in rescue and relief efforts were personnel from both the United States and Mexico, including members of the Joint Military Assistance Command and affiliated Mexican agencies; and WHEREAS, Mexico deployed search and rescue canine teams to Turkey as part of international emergency relief operations, and two canines lost their lives while participating in search and rescue efforts; these heroic dogs were Proteo, who performed four rescues and over 35 recoveries in the line of duty, and Frida, who was involved in 12 rescues and 41 recoveries throughout her career; and WHEREAS, In addition to posthumously recognizing the two search and rescue dogs, the Joint Military Assistance Command has also awarded posthumous honors to a civilian canine, Pinky, who demonstrated remarkable courage while fighting off robbers in the disaster area and passed away five weeks after being wounded in the incident; and WHEREAS, These three valiant canines will be remembered not only for their extraordinary acts of bravery, but also for the special bonds of loyalty that they shared with their owners and handlers, and they are truly deserving of recognition for their honorable service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the lives of Proteo, Frida, and Pinky and express sincere gratitude to all those who took part in search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake. Blanco President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 25, 2023.