Hero dogs sniff for life after Bangkok skyscraper collapse (videos)
Amid the twisted wreckage of a collapsed 33-storey skyscraper in quake-struck Bangkok, a brave dogged team of four-legged heroes is stealing hearts and saving lives.
As rescue workers race against time to find survivors, Thailand’s K9 USAR rescue dogs are tirelessly sniffing through the rubble, bringing hope to a city gripped by tragedy.
At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, and over 70 remain trapped beneath the ruins, though sources suggest the actual number could be between 300 and 400.
The building crumbled within seconds following the devastating earthquake, turning a high-rise into a tomb of concrete and steel.
Enter the canine rescue squad.
Videos shared on K9 USAR Thailand’s Facebook page show the dogs carefully navigating unstable terrain, guided by expert handlers who assess conditions before each mission.
“We evaluate the area for debris, temperature, sharp objects and surface grip,” said one handler. “Sometimes the dogs wear protective shoes, other times they go barefoot for better agility.”
One of the stars of the operation is K9 Sahara. On Saturday, March 29, she was fitted with front-leg boots while scouring an especially loose zone. But handlers soon observed the shoes reduced her stability, and they were removed to help her move with more confidence and grip.
“There was no glass or sharp metal in that spot, so we let her go barefoot. She worked better and faster,” the team said in a Facebook post.
The camp housing the canine team is no less impressive. Each dog has its own crate, cooling system, and a designated chill-out area to relax between missions.
“They know when it’s downtime,” a team member shared. “They relax until it’s time to work.”
With temperatures soaring, cool-down stations have been set up.
“We’ve got donated cooling mats, buckets, and even portable air conditioners, it’s made a world of difference,” the handler added.
Volunteer vets remain on standby 24/7 to provide immediate care if needed.
“All of us are trained in canine first aid but our vet team is there for anything beyond our skill set.”
Despite exhaustion, spirits remain high, said one handler.
“We’re a bit tired but we’re here for one reason, to help find the missing.”
Yesterday, all nine dogs passed health checks with flying colours and are back on duty, tirelessly combing the ruins for signs of life, reported NDTV.
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