Specially trained “sniffer dogs” are playing a vital role in helping to find victims of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southwest China on May 12.

There are more than 100 dogs currently searching through hard-hit areas filled with rubble and debris that cannot be reached by human workers.

Time is especially crucial, as it has now been more than a week since the quake first hit, and the chance of finding survivors lessons every passing day.

The task is quite grueling for the dogs–not only physically, but mentally as well. The dogs are trained to find people alive, and show evident signs of distress when they find the dead.

The people who live in the region see the dogs as heroes, and are doing their part to help keep the sniffer dogs healthy and nourished while they work around the clock.

While no official numbers are kept of how many people the dogs have saved, it is acknowledged that the sniffers have been involved in most of the difficult and miraculous rescues.

Source: www.chinaview.cn