British army dog is war hero

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http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC121026-0000103/British-army-dog-joins-list-of-animal-war-heroes

British soldiers and military dogs gathered at a London army barracks yesterday to honour a fallen hero with selfless courage, nerves of steel - and four legs.

Theo, a bomb-sniffing springer spaniel who died in Afghanistan on the day his soldier partner was killed, was posthumously honoured with the Dickin Medal, Britain's highest award for bravery by animals.

Theo worked alongside Lance Cpl Liam Tasker, searching for roadside bombs in Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold.

Tasker, 26, died in a firefight with insurgents in March 2011, and Theo suffered a fatal seizure hours later. Tasker's mother, Jane Duffy, says the pair were inseparable. She is convinced Theo died of a broken heart.

"They'll be watching us, and they'll be so proud," she said. "I just wish they were here to get it themselves."

Since 1943, the Dickin Medal has recognised gallantry by animals serving with the military, police or rescue services. Some of these animal heroes:

Theo is the 28th dog to receive the medal, awarded by animal charity PDSA and named for its founder, Maria Dickin.