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Hero War Dog is Bow Wowing Out
Express ^ | 10-5-11 | John Ingham

Posted on 10/05/2011 5:38:01 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic

SITTING proudly to attention, displaying a row of campaign medals on his chest, this RAF veteran is a military hero.

But now Air Dog Buster is retiring after braving bombs and bullets on five operational tours.

The nine-year-old English springer spaniel saw active service on two tours of Bosnia and two of Afghanistan, fitting in a few months in Iraq in between.

The arms and explosives sniffer dog lives with his handler, RAF Police Sergeant Michael “Will” Barrow, 45, and his wife, Tracy.

But he is not turning his back on military life – Buster will be the RAF Police mascot and already has the ceremonial black and red coat.

(Excerpt) Read more at express.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Military/Veterans; Pets/Animals
KEYWORDS: raf; uk; wardogs
More info and great pictures at the link...
1 posted on 10/05/2011 5:38:05 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
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To: Joe 6-pack

English Doggie Ping


2 posted on 10/05/2011 5:39:16 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
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To: afraidfortherepublic

Buster enjoys his retirement from active duty as an armament and explosive search dog /PeterCorns

3 posted on 10/05/2011 5:42:27 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
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To: afraidfortherepublic

Thank you for posting this wonderful story! The pictures at the link are just amazing. I laughed OUT LOUD at the last picture of Buster and his pals. They look like they could get into some fun-trouble, don’t they? Good for Buster... may his “retirement” be filled with lots of play, well deserved naps and love.


4 posted on 10/05/2011 5:43:01 AM PDT by momtothree
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To: AnAmericanMother; Titan Magroyne; Badeye; Shannon; SandRat; arbooz; potlatch; ...
WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

5 posted on 10/05/2011 5:43:59 AM PDT by Joe 6-pack (Que me amat, amet et canem meum)
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To: afraidfortherepublic
Y'know ... he LOOKS like a Buster, too.
6 posted on 10/05/2011 5:44:00 AM PDT by knarf (I say things that are true ... I have no proof ... but they're true)
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To: afraidfortherepublic

7 posted on 10/05/2011 5:44:26 AM PDT by Doogle ((USAF.68-73..8th TFW Ubon Thailand..never store a threat you should have eliminated))
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To: afraidfortherepublic

If he were an American service dog, he’d go on Napolitano’s watch list upon retirement.


8 posted on 10/05/2011 5:44:41 AM PDT by edpc (Former Normalcy Bias Victim)
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To: Doogle
ON THE JOB......
9 posted on 10/05/2011 5:46:52 AM PDT by Doogle ((USAF.68-73..8th TFW Ubon Thailand..never store a threat you should have eliminated))
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To: Doogle

Unbelievable. Only in America could this happen. Though - to be honest - the Brits would honor this hero as well.

I love these stories.


10 posted on 10/05/2011 5:49:17 AM PDT by miss marmelstein
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To: Doogle

Wow, he blends right in!

Enjoy your rest, Buster, and thanks for your service!


11 posted on 10/05/2011 5:50:00 AM PDT by workerbee (We're not scared, Maobama -- we're pissed off!)
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To: miss marmelstein

I stupidly attributed this story to the Americans. It’s obviously a British dog. Kudos - yet again - to the Brits for honoring their war animals.


12 posted on 10/05/2011 5:50:49 AM PDT by miss marmelstein
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To: momtothree
This was my favorite line:
And when he came home he collected up all the dogs’ toys and became very protective of them.


13 posted on 10/05/2011 5:51:19 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
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To: afraidfortherepublic

Maybe it is just me, but I swear he looks happy in the pictures. Just happy with life. He is such a cool doggie!


14 posted on 10/05/2011 5:53:30 AM PDT by momtothree
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To: momtothree

I agree. He has an alert expression on his face as if he’s ready for the next adventure. He’s a real beauty.


15 posted on 10/05/2011 5:57:36 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
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To: Joe 6-pack

Very rare to see this breed chosen as a military service dog..they’re generally viewed as not up to the stress and rigors...


16 posted on 10/05/2011 5:59:26 AM PDT by ken5050 (Save the EARTH...it's the ONLY planet with CHOCOLATE!!!)
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To: afraidfortherepublic

Great story and photos! Thanks so much for posting it. I had a Springer for many years, and they are nice, loyal dogs.


17 posted on 10/05/2011 6:02:31 AM PDT by basil (It's time to rid the country of "gun free zones" aka "Killing Fields")
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To: Joe 6-pack

Delightful story bump. Thanks, Joe.


18 posted on 10/05/2011 8:32:56 AM PDT by TheOldLady (FReepmail me to get ON or OFF the ZOT LIGHTNING ping list)
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