Paws to salute army hero

[Goldfields]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/nat...-1225942971450

[Love4himies]

I posted the story because it was so wonderful, I don't want the link to get broken over time or the newspaper take it of their server. What a great story, thanks for sharing it.


Paws to salute army hero

Kelly Ryan From: Herald Sun October 25, 2010 12:01AM




Bone idol: Australian Special Forces explosive detection dog Sarbi. Picture: Department of Defence Source: HWT Image Library

A LONG and often lonely tour of duty will end happily when old war dog Sarbi is finally reunited with her original handler.

The Army bomb detector dog who dodged bullets on her own for over a year after getting lost in an ambush in Afghanistan could be home for Christmas.

And it will be a miraculous home-coming, fit for a hero, after an amazing story of survival following Sarbi's separation from Australian troops there. Already, a book has been penned on the back of Sarbi's return to the ranks - after having possibly been forced to bunker down with the enemy.

And the RSPCA has plans to make her Australia's first Army dog to be awarded a prestigious Purple Cross for exceptional service to humans.

"Sarbi's story is an amazing tale of survival while on the run for a year and with all the risks associated with being lost in a war environment," said president Dr Hugh Wirth.




"The award will be presented to her as soon as the Army notifies us she's back and out and about, because we can't wait to drape that medal around her neck."

After the hardship of Afghanistan, the old black Labrador can look forward to having balls - not grenades - lobbed at her.

"Once she returns home and gets through quarantine, Sarbi will be adopted by her original handler, who also happens to be her current handler, and spend the rest of her days as a family dog," Defence said in a statement.

Her survival story has made her a canine celeb, with people from around the world writing to her. Defence staff pen her replies.

On her second tour of duty in September 2008 Sarbi went missing from her unit and was feared dead.

But a US soldier found her over a year later and, recognising her special qualities, helped her to a joyful reunion with Aussie troops.

She has spent the past six months in mandatory quarantine period in Dubai ahead of her clearance home.

Defence has confirmed she is due to return to Australia in December, and must spend another month in quarantine here.

[BenMax]

Definately a war hero. Way to go Girl. God's speed and thanks for all you have done.

[Goldfields]

I'll include her photo. I wonder how many soldiers she saved? Does anyone see a hint of a dash of Rottie blood in her? The tan markings(dulled maybe by the cross)where they'd be on a Rottie and the eyes? She'll be treated like Royalty I think, and rightly so.

[Winston]

Whatever she is mixed with she is beautiful and a

HERO!!!!!!


I hope the reunion is spectacular!!!