Meet The Completely Adorable Puppy That Russia Gave France After The Paris Attacks
The 7-month-old German shepherd puppy was given to honor Diesel, the police dog killed during the search for suspects following the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris.
Meet Dobrynya, France's newest law enforcement officer.
Dobrynya, an adorable German shepherd puppy, was the star of an official ceremony at the French Embassy in Moscow on Monday.
Last month, Russia announced it was giving France a puppy "in solidarity with the French people and the police in the fight against terrorism."
The gift was to honor and replace Diesel, a Belgian Malinois killed during a police raid, days after the Paris terrorist attacks.
Three people were killed in the operation on Nov. 18, including Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the ISIS operative authorities think was the key figure in planning the Nov. 13 Paris attacks.
French Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert said Monday that the puppy is a "living symbol of the strong ties of friendship and cooperation" between France and Russia.
“The puppy you are giving us today will replace Diesel and proves your friendship," said Ripert, pictured here with his wife Yael and Dobrynya.
After Diesel's death, her name started trending on social media, along with multiple hashtags in her honor. One of the most popular ones was #JeSuisChien or “I am dog."
View this video on YouTube
Dobrynya practicing important tactical maneuvers in November.
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During the ceremony, Russian Deputy Interior Minister Igor Zubov said the puppy is a “symbol of the unity of our nations in the implacable fight against terrorism.”
View this video on YouTube
Dobrynya charmed police officers from Russia and France and pretty much everyone else at the ceremony.
The dog is named after a Russian folk legend, Dobrynya Nikitich, who’s known for his courage.
Good luck, Dobrynya!
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Lisa Tozzi is the global news director for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York.
Contact Lisa Tozzi at lisa.tozzi@buzzfeed.com.
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