Joey, a 2-year-old LA County Fire Department Labrador Retriever, is being recognized after helping locate three earthquake survivors beneath rubble in Venezuela.

Working alongside handler Capt. Louis Gudiel, the young rescue dog spent 11 days navigating unstable disaster zones using his keen sense of smell and rigorous training.

Back home, Joey balances his fieldwork by serving as a comfort dog for local firefighters and first responders at his station.

His lifesaving contributions have earned him a semifinalist spot in the American Humane Society's annual Hero Dog Awards.

abc7.com