Heroic search and rescue dog Blake passes away

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has revealed that ‘Blake,’ an English Springer Spaniel and an esteemed member of the JBPM, was euthanised on September 18th at 4.38 pm.

Since joining the Fire and Rescue Department in 2017, Blake had played pivotal roles in various high-stakes operations across the nation, earning him the status of a hero among his colleagues and the public.

Blake suffered stage four lymphoma

Blake’s journey took a devastating turn on August 15th when he was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. Despite his admission to the Beloved Pet Canine Ward at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), on September 14th, his condition deteriorated rapidly.

After consulting with veterinary expert Dr. Nur Alimah Rahman, JBPM made the heart-wrenching decision to euthanise Blake. This choice was guided by compassion, aimed at preventing further suffering for the loyal canine.

The seven-year-old English Springer Spaniel, a dedicated member of the JBPM canine team, had demonstrated unwavering commitment throughout his tenure. His incredible service in search and rescue missions, including the discovery of drowning victims and aiding in water search and rescue operations.

Legacy transcended search and rescue dog

Blake’s legacy transcended his role as a search and rescue dog. He became a symbol of bravery, dedication, and the extraordinary bond between humans and their loyal canine companions. JBPM considered him an invaluable part of their family, and his passing has deeply affected them.

One particularly memorable incident that garnered national attention was during the Batang Kali landslide in Pahang, where Blake collapsed from exhaustion. This catastrophic event claimed the lives of thirty-one people, and Blake was among the 11 dogs deployed to search for victims. He tirelessly scoured the debris for two days without rest, capturing the hearts of millions of Malaysians who hailed him as a hero.

The outpouring of tributes and gratitude on social media following this incident demonstrated the profound impact Blake had on the nation. He may no longer be with us, but his memory continues to inspire and remind us of the incredible capabilities of our four-legged friends during times of crisis.

Blake’s passing marks the end of an era in the JBPM canine team. His courage and unwavering dedication to search and rescue missions will be forever etched in the annals of heroism. As the nation bids farewell to this remarkable English Springer Spaniel, we also celebrate his extraordinary contributions and the lives he touched.

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department and the entire nation mourn the loss of Blake, a true hero who served selflessly in the most challenging of circumstances. His story reminds us that heroes come in all forms, even with fur and a wagging tail.