While Greek rescue teams continue to depart for earthquake-ravaged regions in Turkey, one special rescuer is already on the ground sniffing his way through the rubble looking for survivors.

Talos, the famous Greek rescue dog departed from his base in Thessaloniki along with almost a dozen members of the Greek rescue mission, which included doctors and other emergency relief workers.

Talos, a Belgian shepherd breed, is specially trained to conduct search and rescue missions and look for signs of life under the rubble. He’s the only search and rescue dog in Greece that’s certified by an international judge to complete such missions, and has lent his skills to similar disaster-relief efforts in the past.

Talos in antiquity 

Talos is aptly named, and the name carries a history of protection. In Greek mythology, Talos was a non-human automaton, aka robotic protector, of Crete. He circled the island’s shores three times a day to protect the islanders from pirates and invaders.

The modern-day canine will now circle Turkey to help find survivors from this tragic disaster.