Posted on 05/15/2011 2:18:26 PM PDT by Heuristic Hiker
A plucky dog called Molly spearheaded a five-day blitz by Scottish soldiers on the Taliban's tribal heartland.
The five-year-old spaniel led the strike by troops of 4 Scots, The Highlanders, into one of the deadliest parts of Helmand province in Afghanistan.
Molly was drafted in to sniff out booby trap bombs - the biggest killer of coalition troops - ahead of soldiers as they moved into the infamous Loy Check region of Helmand.
Loy Check is notorious for heroin production and Taliban activity.
Dog handler Private Charlotte Cook, 21, said: "As you can imagine, Molly, like the rest of us, struggles with the heat but she's a great dog and has been patrolling and searching a lot.
"The only problem with her on operations like this is she's a bit of water baby and loves to have a swim but when she's cooled off, she's ready to get on with the job."
"Everyone gets to know Molly and trusts her instinct. She's a great dog."
Soldiers set off from their base before dawn carrying more than 60 kilos of kit including ammunition, water and food.
The 4 Scots troops, who are normally based in Fallingbostel, Germany, were welcomed by locals as they moved through villages. One local father told soldiers that his four-year-old son had been shot in the face by the insurgents in the past.
Major Neil Tomlin, 35, commander of A Company, said: "Our measurement of success is how many conversations we have with the locals so that we can build up a picture of the area.
"It's not just about understanding the people, but also appreciating their difficulties, the crops they grow, the fears they have."
Spaniel power!
What great dogs they are! I’ve had two American Cockers and now have an English Springer. They’re wonderful loving dogs and very, very protective of their owners and family. No wonder their owners often refer to them as ‘Sweet Spaniels’.
Yep! I had a Springer when I was growing up. Great dog!
How appropriate. Moslems hate dogs. Dog is God spelled backwards. Cats have staff, and yes, I like cats.
The Dog’s Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
The Cat’s Diary
Day 983 of My Captivity
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...
Have you seen this article yet?
haha. So true!
Cute.
I have always considered house cats as merely imitating domestic practices in preparation for being released in the wild, however.
But dogs know. They just know. And I say this as someone who was scared to death of even Chihuahuas as a youngster, as I’d been bit rather badly.
Molly spearheaded a five-day blitz by Scottish soldiers on the Taliban's tribal heartland. The five-year-old spaniel led the strike by troops of 4 Scots, The Highlanders, into one of the deadliest parts of Helmand province... was drafted in to sniff out booby trap bombs -- the biggest killer of coalition troops -- ahead of soldiers as they moved into the infamous Loy Check region of Helmand. Loy Check is notorious for heroin production and Taliban activity... The 4 Scots troops, who are normally based in Fallingbostel, Germany, were welcomed by locals... One local father told soldiers that his four-year-old son had been shot in the face by the [terrorists] in the past.
On parade at the formation of the Regiment was Private Kelly Wolstencroft, 103 MWD, with her Armed Explosive Search dog Molly. Pte Wolstencroft said:
"It is a real joy to work with these animals. It gives you great job satisfaction to know that you are working with dogs who are saving so many lives in theatre."
Great pic - Thanks!
woof woof
Interesting-looking spaniel.
LOL. I didn't say it was the Molly of the article. I said, it's what I found.
Looks like Hosehead from “Strange Brew”
Molly should smile so we can see her....Old age is a b*tch.
:^D
Looks like a beautiful Labrador Retriever, but the article said that Molly was a spaniel. Of course, it’s just barely possible that a reporter got a fact wrong. ;^)
And Yes, my black and tan doberman smiled....ear to ear grin. I miss her so..
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