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An Army search dog that has saved the lives of scores of British soldiers in Afghanistan is to receive the canine equivalent of the Victoria Cross. Treo, an eight-year-old black labrador, has spent the past five years sniffing out bombs and weapons hidden by the Taliban.
Yet as a puppy he was a badly behaved rebel in danger of being put down until intensive Army training turned him into the gutsy canine described by his handler, Sergeant Dave Heyhoe, as the best military dog he has served alongside. Now Treo is to be honoured with the Dickin Medal from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals for his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
It will be placed around his neck this month by the charity’s patron, Princess Alexandra.
Treo’s heroics include finding a ‘daisy chain’ improvised explosive device (IED) while working as a forward detection dog in Sangin, Helmand Province, in March 2008.
A daisy chain is two or more bombs wired together and concealed by the Taliban on the side of a path to maximise casualties among soldiers on patrol. In September 2008, Treo saved another platoon from guaranteed casualties when he again found a daisy chain. According to the Army, his actions have also saved other soldiers and civilians from death or serious injury.
Both Prince Charles and Gordon Brown have been introduced to the labrador on his return to Britain from his many six-month tours of duty.
dickin medal
Treo is attached to 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Sgt Heyhoe, 39, who will accompany Treo to the award ceremony at the Imperial War Museum in London, described Treo as his ‘mate and best canine friend’.
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