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Saturday February 4th 2012


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A Tail Of Bravery


Monday, February 08, 2010

Source: The Sun Online



He has saved the lives of hundreds of troops with his uncanny ability to detect Taliban roadside bombs.

Dressed in a heavy black protective coat, he works tirelessly in the searing Afghan heat, often while under enemy fire.

But all he wants in return for his brave efforts is a bowl of food, water and the odd cuddle.

Because this military hero is a dog. Army sniffer dog Treo will receive the animal version of the Victoria Cross this month.

The now retired eight-year-old Labrador, from 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, twice saved soldiers and civilians from death while out on patrol in Helmand.

His keen sense of smell found what bomb disposal experts call a "daisy chain" - a series of explosives linked together and primed to go off at the same time.

Thanks to Treo, the Taliban's plots to slaughter hundreds of soldiers and civilians were foiled.

The proud pooch will be given his gong, called the Dickin Medal, by Princess Alexandra at a ceremony at the Imperial War Museum on February 24.

Treo's handler for five years, Sgt Dave Heyhoe, will also be there. Treo is now a family pet.

The Dickin Medal was started by vet charity PDSA and is the highest award an animal can get for gallantry or devotion to duty in a military conflict.

It was introduced in 1943 by PDSA founder Maria Dickin. Treo will be the 63rd animal to receive the medal.

A total of 26 other dogs, 32 Second World War messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat have won the medal.

This top dog is no stranger to the spotlight. Treo received the award for Best Armed Forces Animal in 2008 at The Sun's own military awards, The Millies.

There have been other four-legged friends serving our country in Afghanistan. Cheeky spaniel Toby gave handlers a scare last year when he found explosives and ate them.

Army vets put Toby on a drip with charcoal to soak up the toxic substance, and drugs to control swelling on his brain, which was causing fits.

Toby found the explosives while seeking out booby traps in Afghanistan, but he was back to normal within 24 hours. Tragically yellow Labrador Sasha and her handler, Lance Corporal Ken Rowe, weren't so lucky.

They were killed in a Taliban ambush in Helmand in 2008.

Sasha was known for her continuously wagging tail and cheery temperament.

She was the first sniffer dog to be killed in the conflict and was commended for bravery.

 

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