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When a devastating earthquake shook Mexico two weeks ago, Burnaby resident Jeanette Van Dijk and her dog Phoenix got the call to help.

Phoenix had just passed her certification with the International Rescue Dog Organization. When the call came to deploy to Mexico with the Canadian Search and Disaster Dogs Association team (CASDDA), Van Dijk, 28, said her bosses at Bosley’s pet store in Coquitlam didn’t hesitate to let her go. Within minutes her shifts were covered, Van Dijk packed a bag and headed to the airport with Phoenix.

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Air Canada pitched in, and Phoenix was whisked through the lineups at the airport: “Air Canada was really helpful, they found me, got me to the gate and through security.”

Phoenix got to fly in the cabin, stretched across the floor at Van Dijk’s feet.

“In Mexico we worked with UNAM, the Mexican civil protection unit and their canine team for 10 days,” said Van Dijk.

Phoenix was deployed daily to search collapsed buildings while Van Dijk waited on the sidelines. “She was able to locate several victims, barking and alerting the recovery team,” said Van Dijk.