During the search for survivors following the devastating earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, which resulted in the deaths of 46,000 people, every effort was made. Dogs proved to be a highly effective means during search and rescue operations, significantly contributing to the rescue of individuals trapped under the ruins. Approximately 388 trained dogs from 47 countries participated in a wide operation for trained dogs in relief efforts in the affected areas, saving 74 people in the Kahramanmaraş province alone.
**The Story of Kylian**
One of the highly effective dogs was Kylian, a Swedish rescue dog, who helped save the lives of 18 people trapped under the rubble. Kylian is a six-year-old Golden Retriever, certified as a rescue dog and trained by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). Kylian traveled with firefighters Kirill and Klaes, first to Turkey three days after the earthquake. Kirill and Klaes have worked in rescue for 26 years and undertook this individual initiative to volunteer and assist those affected, funded by a Swedish fundraising organization.
The Swedish government provided over 10 million euros in humanitarian aid to both Turkey and Syria, sending rescue workers, experts, medical teams, and financial support to the two countries. Additionally, a dog named Sila contributed to the rescue of 12 people from the rubble in Malatya province, but after some time searching, she sustained injuries to her feet due to scattered glass and metal and required treatment from volunteer veterinarians.
**Dog Characteristics**
Dogs can detect the scent of sweat, hormones, blood, feces, or even human breath. When they discover someone lying under the rubble, they bark and indicate the location. These dogs are usually equipped with GPS devices, and with their strong sense of smell, they can locate survivors amidst piles of rubble and use their hearing to find those calling for help or when their bodies brush against cement blocks. Additionally, dogs possess the advantage of a small size, allowing them to enter narrow spaces, climb stairs, and provide assistance to victims until rescue teams arrive.
**Training Process**
The selection process is a long journey filled with effort and hard work in training. The selection begins before the dogs are born by choosing the right parents and caring for the newborn puppies. Their personal traits are monitored, with sociability and a spirit of perseverance being the most important. A dog typically serves for only eight years. Turkey has only 27 dogs of this type. A determined dog with a sensitive nose can conduct scent detection for 15 to 20 minutes. Training involves motivating dogs with games, where they are trained to find objects inside boxes. Their reward is obtaining a toy at the end.
