Maracaibo unveils statue for Tsunami, hero rescue dog

A bronze statue was unveiled in Maracaibo, Venezuela, to honor Tsunami, a Border Collie renowned for his work as a search and rescue dog. The monument, created by artist José Benjamín Figueroa, is located in the Vereda del Lago park.

Tsunami gained international recognition for his role in locating survivors following a major earthquake in Venezuela in June. His career also includes participation in rescue missions in Turkey and Syria. During the ceremony, the dog and his trainer, Jorge Beens, were honored by local authorities, including Mayor Giancarlo Di Martino.

In addition to the statue, Tsunami received several awards, including the Medal of Valor from the Maracaibo Fire Department. Beens announced plans to open a national training center for volunteer canine rescue teams and noted that a film about the dog's life, from his rescue from abuse to his heroic career, is in development.