Ukrainian President Awards a Medal to a Bomb-Sniffing Service Dog for Saving Lives
War is undoubtedly the worst thing humanity has created. It causes death, destruction, and suffering that lingers in the memories of generations to come.
One more thing that war brings is heroes. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has forced numerous people and their pets to flee their homes, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took the time to commemorate one of the country's bravest soldiers.
Patron, a bomb-sniffing dog whose nose has literally saved lives, is an adorable little pooch. President Zelenskyy presented the 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier and his owner/handler, Mykhailo Iliev, with a medal for "Dedicated Service" at a ceremony in Kyiv on Sunday.
The two were praised for their work on the battlefield in protecting soldiers and civilians from deadly devices. Patron was also seen receiving the distinction with a wagging tail from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was visiting Kyiv.
"I want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines," Zelenskyy said during the ceremony. "And together with our heroesâa wonderful little sapper, Patron, who helps not only to neutralize explosives but also to teach our children the necessary safety rules in areas where there is a mine threat."
Take a look at this inspiring story:
Patron is a 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier, and he is a hero. He is a bomb-sniffing dog whose nose has literally been saving lives.
The President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy, presented Patron and his owner/handler, Mykhailo Iliev, with a medal for "Dedicated Service" at a ceremony in Kyiv.
Watch the video of the ceremony:
Following the Russian invasion, Patron rose to prominence in Ukraine as officials credited him with helping to defuse numerous explosives since the fighting began. Patron is a true hero, as demonstrated by his new medal.
After the ceremony, Patron's handler wrote on his Instagram page that "this day will be etched in my memory for a lifetime," adding, "Glory to Ukraine and the Armed Forces."
Patron is the best boy!
Watch Patron in action:
In the U.S., the TSA trains more than 300 explosive detection canines every year. It costs roughly $46,000 to train a passenger-screening canine and handler. The dogs are taught to detect dozens of different threat-based odors. They work for as long as 10 years before retiring.
Zelenskyy said: âI want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines. And together with our heroesâa wonderful little sapper, Patron, who helps not only to neutralize explosives but also to teach our children the necessary safety rules in areas where there is a mine threat."
There is a saying that war brings out the best and worst in people. Unfortunately, we are so overwhelmed with footage of destruction that we canât really notice the good things people are doing.
Most importantly, we fail to notice the amazing and heroic things our dogs do. We can only wish Patron all the best and hope for his tour to be over soon.
And we wish for this madness to end.
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