I must confess – I wasn’t aware of the sweet li’l champion (pictured above) until I heard the news of her death from brain cancer today, but when one takes the April Ludgate approach to canines, this is pretty damn sad.
Sarbi, aged 12, was a specialist forces explosives detection dog for the Australian military, and a criminally cute Labrador/Newfoundland cross. While there’s much to be said about animals on the frontline, let’s focus on Sarbi’s badass repertoire during her working dog career, which reportedly saved lives in her detection of explosives:
In 2008, Sarbi went missing in action in Afghanistan, during a military ambush – an event from which SAS trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross. Following the incident, Sarbi was MIA for over a year in Afgahnistan, before reportedly being spotted by an American soldier.
At the time, now-retired President of the War Dogs Association George Hulse told the ABC of their joy at Sarbi’s recovery, describing her skills:
“She’s an exceptionally good worker, very gritty dog and has found improvised explosive devices and she’s saved quite a few lives in her work.”
SMH today reports that Sarbi was Australia’s most decorated military animal hero, as she received the War Dog Operational Medal, and was the second animal the ninth in Australia’s history to ever receive the Purple Cross – following on from the likes of Murphy, stretcher-bearer John Simpson Kilpatrick‘s donkey, who has become an iconic symbol of the ANZAC spirit at Gallipoli.
While there’s already a book on Sarbi’s efforts, you can bet a movie will be in the works any second now. Sarbi’s handler David Simpson broke the news today and wrote,
“Sarbi will live on in everyone’s hearts and minds and I hope that her story of perseverance and determination will inspire you to do whatever you can to achieve your goals and dreams.”
Rest in peace, old girl.
Via SMH.
Lead image via SMH.
