MEXICO (REUTERS) - Meet the four-legged hero of Mexico's deadly earthquake.

Frida the Navy rescue dog has put her nose to work saving 12 lives and uncovering more than 40 bodies, all trapped beneath the rubble of Mexico City.

It's far more than any other rescue dog at work earning the seven-year-old labrador social media stardom as a source of hope and Mexican pride.

Every day Frida suits up in her custom goggles and boots to sniff out victims she and handler Israel Arauz have mostly worked at a school in the city's south side where 19 children died, but 11 more were rescued.

"We've been working since Tuesday (Sept 19), since we got here and we've stayed on. Everytime Frida's help is needed, we show up to deal with the situation," said Arauz.

Mexico's army, the US and Chile among others have all brought dogs to join in the search; this dog Maya was credited with finding two bodies this week, but none can match Frida's fame.

She has about a year left as a life-scent dog before her sense of smell is expected to decline, after which she'll retire to live with her handler.