TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — A yellow Labrador retriever who has retired from being an advanced-level rubble search and rescue canine is now up for adoption by Taichung City government staff and volunteers.
Applications will be open until Sept. 12, the dog's former owners, the Fire Bureau of Taichung City Government said.
Named Tieh-hsiung (Iron Hero), the dog boasts advanced rubble and intermediate wild search and rescue certifications.
It has also passed the International Rescue Dog Organization Mission Readiness Tests (IRO-MRT).
In 2018, Tieh-hsiung was part of the Hualien earthquake rescue mission, successfully saving a person trapped in the rubble.
In recognition of his contributions, both the Minister of the Interior and Lu Shiow-yen, Mayor of Taichung, have awarded Tieh-hsiung the second line, one-star rank, making him the highest-ranking rescue dog in Taiwan.
Due to joint wear, Tieh-hsiung retired from active duty two years ago. Sun Fu-you, Director-General of the Taichung City Government Fire Bureau, has expressed gratitude for Tieh-hsiung's valuable service.
He hopes city staff and volunteers could become the dog's new owners.
The deadline for adoption applications is Sept. 12, 5 p.m. local time, prioritizing Fire Bureau colleagues and city staff. The adoption will be open to the public if none meet the qualifications.