Dog Awarded for Bravery

The Labrador Retriever Sarbi has received a military award in Australia. Sarbi did military service in the Australian army searching for roadside bombs in Afghanistan. She was reported missing in action after a battle where her human handler was wounded. Fourteen months later, she was discovered again. She had been taken care of by a local Afghan man. She returned to Australia in 2009 and received a hero's welcome. She has now been awarded the Australian Purple Cross, the highest distinction possible for an animal in Australia's armed services. The only former recipient was a donkey who carried wounded soldiers in Gallipoli during World War I. I am happy for Sarbi. Her story proves, once again, how important dogs are in human society. She was recognized for it, too.