Rescue teams from across the country are stepping forward to help find survivors of the earthquake. One group is playing a vital role in the operation.

 

When firefighters are busy with rescue work, sniffer dogs are their best friends.

This is Gege from Dongying fire department in Shandong Province.

She appears to be lacking energy now.

The firefighter says it's the result of altitude sickness.

Firefighter, Shangdong Province, said, "Because of the high altitude, when we came here, both people and these sniffer dogs felt sick. But when they start to work, these dogs will be raring to go. So there is no problem for them joining the rescue work."

This Tibetan mastiff stays with the sniffer dogs day and night.

She was rescued from the rubble, by firefighters from Guangdong province.

Firefighter, Guangdong Province, said, "We found her in the rubble with the help of the sniffer dogs. Whenever there is a hope of life, we must try to save it."

Dozens of sniffer dogs are in Yushu for rescue work now.

Their sharp sense of smell helps rescuers find signs of life much more easily, and gives survivors new hope.