The Daily Appreciation: Rescue Dog Saves 7, Dies from Exhaustion

There is a reason why someone who acts with grim persistence is called “dogged.” Whether it’s eating, playing, loving or rescuing, dogs don’t seem to know when to stop, and take care of themselves. They are unconditional; they go all-in, as we read here:

A rescue dog who was hailed a hero for saving up to seven lives in the aftermath of the Ecuador earthquake has died from exhaustion. Dayko, a four-year-old white Labrador, formed part of the fire service and helped the team by sniffing out survivors in the rubble who may not otherwise have been noticed. However, a combination of heat, dehydration and the huge effort put into the rescue mission took its toll on the brave pup and he died on Friday. Dayko had been working in Pedernales, in the north west Ecuadorian province of Manabi. The area was one of the most badly damaged following the disaster and 654 people have so far been found dead. And Dayko worked tirelessly to stop the death toll from rising.

Sometimes, when we have trouble understanding the unconditional, tireless nature of God’s love for us, we should pay attention to our dogs. They sort of model for us just what that looks like.

Good dog, Dayco. Angel-dog; hero-dog. Take your rest. Aquinas said we won’t see you in heaven, but that’s not settled. Someday we’ll know!