Wednesday, 24 February 2010
An army search dog who saved lives in Afghanistan is to be honoured with the animal version of the Victoria Cross.
Black Labrador Treo, eight, will be awarded the Dickin Medal at the event at the Imperial War Museum in London.
The now retired dog, from 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit, North Luffenham barracks in Rutland, twice found hidden bombs in Helmand province.
Treo will be the 63rd animal to receive the medal created by veterinary charity the PDSA to honour gallantry in war.
The medal, which is the highest accolade a military animal can be awarded, is due to be presented by Princess Alexandra.
A total of 26 other dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat have won the award which was introduced by PDSA founder Maria Dickin in 1943.
Important job
Handler Sgt Dave Heyhoe will join his dog at the ceremony on Wednesday.
The pair have worked together for five years and Treo has now become a family pet.
Sgt Heyhoe said: "We started our time together in Northern Ireland, then moved to North Luffenham, where we then went out to Afghanistan in 2008."
Treo was one of 25 dogs in the country supporting British troops on patrol.
His work involved searching for arms and explosives.
Sgt Heyhoe said: "It's very important. We are part and parcel of the search element. We're not the ultimate answer but we are an aid to search."
Treo was working as a forward detection dog in Sangin when in August and September 2008 he found two hidden "daisy chain" bombs made out of multiple explosives wired together.
His handler said Treo's detective work saved the lives of many soldiers.
Sgt Heyhoe added the pair had a "rapport" and understood each other.
"Everyone will say that he is just a military working dog - yes, he is, but he is also a very good friend of mine. We look after each other."
He said the award was for every dog and handler working in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Maj Chris Ham, officer commanding the Canine Division at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, said dogs played an important role in missions overseas.
He said: "It's being recognised more and more in this day and age that the key capability the armed explosives dog does have lies particularly in finding improvised explosive devices."
See video at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8533382.stm
(Submitted by Liz R)
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