DICKIN MEDAL AWARD CEREMONY FOR SASHA

An Army sniffer dog who died in the Afghanistan battlefield alongside her heroic handler has been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

The courageous canine and young soldier faced the horrors of war together. Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe, 24, and Sasha, a four-year-old yellow Labrador, also died together in a Taliban ambush in July 2008 when they were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

Their memory was honoured earlier this week when the brave dog was awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

She became the 65th animal to be awarded the honorary medal, which has also been given to cats, horses and birds who have served alongside humans.

In a touching ceremony at Kensington Town Hall, London, Sasha received the PDSA Dickin Medal posthumously for uncovering 15 bombs and hordes of weapons - thought to be more than any other British dog in the 13-year conflict.

Her citation read: "Sasha’s actions were conducted in perilous conditions over a sustained period.

"Without doubt she saved many soldiers and civilians from death or injury."

The medal was accepted on behalf of the life-saving dog by her former handler Sergeant Major Andy Dodds and retired military working dog, Fire, who was also injured in Afghanistan and made an amazing recovery from serious injuries.

To read the complete article, see: Tails of bravery: Life-saving labrador awarded animal 'Victoria Cross' (www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/477782/Life-saving-dog-awarded-medal)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: BRITISH ARMY DOG AWARDED DICKIN MEDAL (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n19a31.html)

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