PETALING JAYA — The rescue dog that won hearts during the search and rescue operation of the Batang Kali landslide, Blake, had to be put to sleep at 4.38pm Monday.
The Cadaver dog was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma on August 15.
Last week, on September 14, Blake was readmitted to the Veterinary Faculty of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as he was weak and lost his appetite.
In a statement, the Local Government and Housing Ministry said Blake no longer responded to the medication and treatment. They also found that his cancer had become more aggressive and had spread to his entire body.
Following a discussion with veterinarian Dr Nur Alimah Rahman, an agreement was reached to euthanise Blake as there was little hope for him to recover and out of mercy to the suffering hero.
Blake was an English Springer Spaniel and had been instrumental in many search and rescue missions with the Fire and Rescue Department since he joined them in 2017.
Among the operations were looking for drowned victims in Kampung Kenangan, Selangor; Yan in Kedah's water column incident and the mudslide incident in Karak, Pahang.
“Blake’s demise is definitely felt by the entire Fire and Rescue department and his service will always be appreciated and remembered.
“Goodbye, Blake,” the ministry said in a Facebook statement. – The Vibes, September 20, 2023
