Bomb detection dog gets shortlisted for hero award 12.05.11
15A record-breaking bomb detection dog that died shortly 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 when he was killed in March was honoured posthumously himself on Tuesday. Theo was described as a "true friend" to the soldier. The dog's ashes were flown back to the UK in the same aircraft as Lance Corporal Tasker. 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 family 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.