Bomb detection dog that died after handler killed up for award

Fri, 13 May 2011

A record-breaking bomb detection dog that died soon after his handler was killed in Afghanistan has been shortlisted for a Dogs Trust Honours award for heroism.

His handler Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, who was serving with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was shot dead while on patrol with sniffer dog Theo on March 1. Theo was described as a "true friend" to the soldier and the dog's ashes were flown back to the UK in the same aircraft as his master. Together they found a record 14 bombs and weapons caches in five months, helping to save countless lives.

The search-and-detect dog has been nominated for the award by the soldier’s mother Jane Duffy and several other family members for his courage and dedication to his job. The Dogs Trust Honours awards celebrate the difference dogs make to people's lives through acts of bravery.

Mrs Duffy, from Tayport, said: "I am so pleased that Theo is a finalist for the Hero Dog category of the Dogs Trust Honours. Even if he doesn't win, it means a great deal to us that the loyalty and support he showed for our troops, and in particular my son Liam, has been recognised."

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