TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Three esteemed search and rescue dogs officially retired from the Fire Bureau of Taichung City Government on Saturday morning (Oct. 28).
At the "Graduation Ceremony for Retired Search and Rescue Dogs," Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen personally presented the three dogs - nine-year-old Iron Xiong (鐵雄), nine-year-old Leggy (雞腿), and six-year-old Penwan (本丸) - with retirement certificates.
The dog handlers then passed the dogs on to their new adopters, making the event a heartfelt episode.
These four-legged heroes have contributed majorly to disaster response efforts, including the Hualien and Türkiye earthquakes. Working seamlessly with fire bureau search and rescue personnel, these dogs relentlessly sought for signs of life amidst the ruins.
Mayor Lu said that though these dogs are obliged to retire after a certain period, their relentless efforts to protect the citizens of Taichung demand high honors and a fitting send-off.
Sun Fu-you, the director-general of the Fire Bureau Director, said that this graduation ceremony is of great significance. He thanked the dogs for their service and said that he hoped they could enjoy happiness and peace after retirement.