Arkadaş, one of the symbols of the solidarity that developed between Türkiye and Mexico after the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, now serves in the ranks of the Mexican army as an adult search-and-rescue dog. Arkadaş, the German shepherd Türkiye gifted to Mexico, was seen again at the Independence Day Military Parade held in Mexico City on September 16.
Arkadaş’s story began with Proteo.
Mexico was one of the countries that sent search-and-rescue teams to Türkiye after the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on February 6, 2023. The team also included trained search-and-rescue dogs from the Mexican army.
Proteo was among those dogs and died during the rescue efforts in Türkiye. Proteo’s death caused great sadness in both Mexico and Türkiye.
A meaningful gift from Türkiye to Mexico
To keep Proteo’s memory alive and thank Mexico for its support to the earthquake zone, Türkiye gifted a German shepherd puppy to the Mexican army.
Records from Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense also show that Türkiye donated the dog in memory of Proteo. Following a public vote, the puppy was named “Arkadaş,” which means “friend” in Turkish.
In 2023, Arkadaş was a puppy; now it is a working dog.
Arkadaş arrived in Mexico in May 2023, when it was only a few months old. After joining the Mexican army, it underwent extensive training for search-and-rescue missions.
Three years later, Arkadaş serves as an adult working dog in the Mexican army’s canine units.
Seen at the Independence Day parade
Arkadaş was most recently seen at the military parade held on September 16, 2026, to mark Mexico’s Independence Day. At the ceremony in Mexico City, trained dogs, including Arkadaş, marched alongside military units.
Proteo was also remembered during the parade. A figure created in memory of the Mexican search-and-rescue dog was displayed in the section featuring canine units.
A symbol of Türkiye-Mexico friendship
Arkadaş’s story has become one of the lasting symbols of the solidarity that emerged between Türkiye and Mexico after the 2023 earthquakes.
Sent to Mexico after Proteo lost its life in Türkiye, Arkadaş continues to carry on Proteo’s legacy today as a trained working dog in the Mexican army.
