Balam, a courageous rescue dog from the Querétaro Red Cross, embarked on a remarkable journey to Turkey to assist in search and rescue operations. However, his story is one of incredible resilience, as he survived a heart-wrenching poisoning attempt.

This adorable ball of fur used to roam the streets daily with his parents, Athos and Tango, who were also devoted to rescuing puppies. Tragically, their lives were endangered when a malevolent neighbor threw sausages tainted with harmful alkaloids at Balam. The puppies’ guardians had been threatened by this man before, and unfortunately, Balam’s father, Athos, couldn’t overcome the cruel attack.

The poisoning case gained widespread attention, especially because Athos had an impressive record of finding seven people buried under rubble during the Mexico City earthquake in 2017. The perpetrator, Benjamin N., 60 years old, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his heinous act.

Despite the tragedy, Balam found solace in the care of loving individuals, with Edgar Martnez stepping up as his primary caregiver. Together, they embarked on extensive training, focusing on Balam’s remarkable ability to rescue missing persons.

Balam’s resilience and determination were put to the test when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. Mexico sent a team of experts, including Balam and 15 other trained canine pairs, to support the rescue efforts in the affected region. Balam’s mission now extended beyond himself as he played a vital role in saving lives and providing comfort during this challenging time.

Unlike humans, Balam displayed unwavering impartiality and unconditional support for those in need. His exceptional intelligence and nobility shone through, showing the world the remarkable capabilities that reside within dogs.

This touching story serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of animals and their capacity to bring hope and healing even in the face of adversity. Balam’s journey from surviving a poisoning attempt to becoming a life-saving hero is an inspiring testament to the profound bond that can exist between humans and their furry companions. Let us always cherish and recognize the nobility of our four-legged friends and acknowledge the immense contributions they make to our lives and society.