Sasha (dog)

Sasha DM (2004–2008) was a Labrador Retriever who served as a bomb detection dog for the British Army whilst stationed in Afghanistan.

[4] Prior to deployment in Afghanistan, Sasha and Rowe were well known to the other members of the 104 Working Dog Unit, based at St George's Barracks, North Luffenham, Rutland.

[3] Sasha served with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute regiment in the Kandahar region,[6][7] working out of the Inkerman base.

[11][12] They had been scheduled to return to the UK on the day before their deaths,[10] but Rowe had asked to remain behind as there was no incoming dog team to take over, and he was concerned about the safety issues for his regiment.

The award is even more poignant as we approach the centenary of World War One and are reminded of the huge debt we owe the animals who serve in times of conflict.