British Army's Spaniel Awarded Posthumous Medal

by
posted on October 31, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (33)

We all have our favorite breeds, and many times we're especially proud of the versatility they offer. At one time most dogs were fairly specialized, but these days the same dog can point quail, fetch ducks and even hunt down predators. Their noses and intelligence are also far more developed than what early breeders probably could've imagined.

And consequently this lends our sporting breeds to tasks that are far more important than bird hunting: emergency rescue, law enforcement and military combat. Sadly, many dogs have even given their lives to saving humans.

Last week, one such dog, a springer spaniel named Theo, was honored by the British Army with the Dickin Medal for wartime gallantry by animals. It's been presented to a variety of animals since 1943, including a collie in World War II and carrier pigeons.

Theo spent five months in Afghanistan patrolling for roadside bombs alongside Royal Army Veterinary Corps Lance Cpl. Liam Tasker. But Tasker was killed in a firefight with insurgents in March 2011. Hours later Theo suffered a fatal seizure at a British Army base, apparently brought on by the stress of the encounter.

Tasker and Theo returned to Britain on the same flight.

Latest

Bear Walking By River
Bear Walking By River

A Brown Bear Hunt On Baranof

A spring hunt for brown bear on Alaska’s Baranof Island is a bucket-list experience, and, on the author’s hunt, included buckets of rain. 

Smith & Wesson Adds .30-30 Win. to Model 1854 Line

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. has announced the release of its Model 1854 chambered in .30-30 Winchester.

Hardware Review: Savage Axis 2 Pro

This year Savage has upped the budget bolt-action ante with the introduction of the Axis 2 Pro. You don’t get something for nothing, and upgraded features do bump up the price a bit, but also the overall value.

First Look: Barnett’s Hyper Raptor T-Rex Crossbow

New for 2025, Barnett has introduced its Hyper Raptor T-Rex, transforming the hunting experience with an Integrated Planetary De-Cocking System.

Treestand Site Prep 101: Attract Bigger Bucks

We examine multiple ways to make the bucks you want get close to your stand.

New for 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR Revolver

Charter Arms, manufacturers of 100-percent American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, has announced the introduction of the new Pathfinder II .22 double-action/single-action (DA/SA) revolver, chambered in .22 Long Rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.