Eight-year-old black labrador, Treo, has been awarded the Dickin Medal for sniffing out roadside bombs in Afghanistan. The Dickin Medal is the animal equivalent of a Victoria Cross and is the highest accolade a military animal can expect.
Treo has saved countless lives sniffing out roadside bombs in Afghanistan, including the discovery of a ‘daisy chain’ improvised explosive device (IED) in Sangin in August 2008, which had been carefully modified and concealed by the Taliban at the side of a path.
Treo is the 63rd recipient of the Dickin Medal and the 27th dog to receive the honour.
Treo is now retired after five years dedicated service and is enjoying life with handler Sergeant Dave Heyhoe back at 104 Military Working Dogs Support Unit, in North Luffenham, Rutland. Heyhoe said:
“Basically, me and the dog have got to understand each other and without that we can’t be effective on the ground. He must know when I want him to go somewhere to search.
“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.”
