Frida the rescue dog retires in Mexico

In this file photo taken on September 06, 2018, a rescue dog from the Mexican Navy, Frida, takes a break during a training session in Mexico City. Now 10 years old, the Labrador retriever who was a hero among rescue dogs in the September 2017 quake retired on June 24, 2019 during a ceremony. Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP

MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Frida the rescue dog, a labrador retriever who gained worldwide fame for her heroics after the earthquake that devastated Mexico on September 19, 2017, officially retired from duty Monday.

Frida, who adorably sniffed through the rubble in her protective goggles and booties in the hours after the tragedy, was sent into doggy retirement at 10 years old in a ceremony at the canine unit of the Mexican marines.

"Our dear labrador Frida is starting a new era," said Deputy Naval Minister Eduardo Redondo.

"Frida stole the heart of all Mexico and thousands more abroad... Her bark always gave hope, and in moments of pain and uncertainty she brought relief."

This is Frida. She became Mexico’s symbol for hope after the 2017 earthquakes. It’s reported she’s located over 50 people in her long rescue career. Today, her protective gear was removed and replaced with a toy to signify her retirement and a new beginning. 15/10 #GraciasFrida pic.twitter.com/y7VDFhlPuE

— WeRateDogs™ ?????‍???? (@dog_rates) June 24, 2019

In honour of your service.

Frida, a nine-year-old Labrador retriever who won hero status as a rescue dog during the September 2017 earthquake in Mexico City, has retired from active duty in the Mexican Navy

???? Ronaldo Schemidt and Alfredo Estrella pic.twitter.com/CUgJsUCUyR

— AFP news agency (@AFP) June 25, 2019

VIDEO: Frida saved 12 people's lives across her decade-long career as a search and rescue dog.
The labrador retriever, who gained worldwide fame for her heroics after the 2017 Mexico earthquake, has now hung up her goggles as she is retired from duty at a ceremony in Mexico City pic.twitter.com/N7ghfKDMkM

— AFP news agency (@AFP) June 25, 2019

Frida saved 12 people's lives across her decade-long career as a search and rescue dog, the navy said.

The emergency response efforts she took part in included earthquakes in Haiti and Ecuador in 2010 and 2016, respectively, and an explosion at the headquarters of Mexican state oil company Pemex in 2013.

Her job after the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that shook Mexico City was to look for survivors in the rubble of the Rebsamen elementary school, where 19 children and seven adults were killed.

Frida's handlers removed her famous mask and booties at the ceremony, and she received a chew toy as a symbol of her new life in retirement.

"Frida, mission accomplished, with honor," said Redondo. — Agence France-Presse