Sabi the Army dog returns home after 14 months lost in Afghanistan

The Times (UK) ^ | November 12, 2009 | Sophie Tedmanson

[FreedomCalls]

An Australian special forces explosive detection dog has been found after going missing in action in Afghanistan 14 months ago.

Sabi, a four-year-old black Labrador, was returned to the Australian base at Tarin Kowt after she had been found by an American soldier wandering in a remote area of the southern province of Oruzgan last week.

The US soldier, named only as John, knew his Australian counterparts had lost their favourite canine companion during a gun battle involving Australian, US and Afghan special forces fighting against Taleban insurgents in southeastern Afghanistan last September. Nine Australian soldiers, including Sabi’s handler, were wounded during the engagement, and Sabi went missing.

Sabi, who was on her second tour of duty to Afghanistan, was officially declared Mission In Action. It is not known how she survived the past year, presumably eluding the Taleban, until she was discovered by the US soldier, who realised she was not a stray dog because she understood certain commands.

"I took the dog and gave it some commands it understood," John said.

She was reunited with her trainer this week who made sure the dog was Sabi with a tennis ball test.

"I nudged a tennis ball to her with my foot and she took it straight away. It's a game we used to play over and over during her training," the trainer said. "It's amazing, just incredible, to have her back."

[FreedomCalls]

What a great story! Welcome home Sabi.

[Eagles6]

Woof!

[Mila]

"..., was officially declared Mission In Action."

Mission In Action? I'm thinking that maybe Sophie was really tired when she wrote this piece.

[Daffynition]

Incredible story!

More Sabi pix here

[Aussiebabe]

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie........woof, woof, woof.

[Scotsman will be Free]

The dog is a soldier. Glad she got home. Good for her. There is no more loyal a comrade than a dog.

[SueRae]

Fantastic story!