Last week, an earthquake of a 7.1 magnitude hit Southern Mexico and two other tremors followed the weekend after. After hearing of this information, I was devastated, thinking of all the people that were being affected by this: my people. I saw Gofundme pages and donation centers left and right, but never a troubled soul that couldn’t cope with it.
I’m proud to identify with the Mexican people for this reason and this reason only: When one thing stumbles upon their lives they don’t let it affect them. Not even a wall around their hearts can stop them from uniting, instead they pick up their mariachi instruments and sing “Cielito Lindo” to the world. #FuerzaMexico.
Video after video would pop up on my Facebook newsfeed, and each broke my heart a little more until one specific post fixed the cracks before it completely shattered. I was met with Frida, the four-legged dog that has Mexicans loving her from the tip of her nose to the last inch of her wagging tail.
This Labrador belongs to the Canine Unit of the Navy Secretary of Mexico. She has saved more than 50 lives during Mexico City’s impactful earthquake aftermath. Her labor with the search and rescue team has given her worldwide fame, with Japan giving her a recognized nickname of her own: “Marina-Chan.” Since she was two months old, she has been saving the hearts of many people, from her first flight to Ecuador to the ruins of Mexico today. The love is so great that the people decided to make her the honorable queen of her own parade!
With her specialized boots and goggles strapped below her furry ears, she continues to go around the city and its surrounding areas, rescuing people and helping heal the tragedies with her presence. Frida is not only a dog that symbolizes the heroism of the beautiful country, but symbolizes a great hope during these hard times. I must say, dogs are truly a gift from the heavens above.