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Breed: <\/b>German Shepherd<\/p>\n
Eight-year-old military dog Mali heroically detected bombs and insurgents for the British special forces as they raided a hotel in Kabul that was occupied by the Taliban. Mali was sent through direct fire to sniff out explosives and detect the whereabouts of enemy troops, which he did successfully. <\/span> Following his heroics, Mali retired from frontline duties after receiving treatment for his injuries, however he is still happy to be involved in military training. Mali was awarded a PDSA Dickin Medal – essentially a Victoria cross for animals. <\/span> Breed: <\/b>Cocker Spaniel<\/span><\/p>\n Sherlock, Murphy and Roscoe (aka London fire dogs) are all valuable members of London Fire Brigade\u2019s fire investigation team, who attend an average of between 180 and 230 incidents a year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These dogs were praised for their outstanding courage during the Grenfell Tower fire crisis. Working alongside firefighters are rescue teams, the dogs helped the fire investigators to identify where exactly in the tower block the fire started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Highly trained to detect ignitable substances, the dogs were able to inform the investigators how the fire developed, and more specifically if an accelerant was used to spread it. The incredible work of fire dogs help speed up investigations, discover valuable evidence, and protect the future safety of the people of London. <\/span> Breed: <\/b>German Shepherd<\/span><\/p>\n In December 2017, Policeman Dave Wardell and his canine companion Finn were called out to a suspected armed robbery in Stevenage. Upon identifying the suspect, both Dave and Finn chased after him. When trying to escape over a wall, Finn chased up with youth and pulled him to the floor. To fend off Finn, the teen pulled out a knife and stabbed the dog in the chest.<\/span><\/p>\n Scared for both his and his dog\u2019s life, Dave scooped up the injured Finn and ran to his van. Luckily, the knife narrowly missed Finn\u2019s heart, and after four hours of life-saving surgery, the brave German Shepherd made a full recovery. Incredibly, he was back patrolling the streets by Christmas!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Finn\u2019s heroics helped the Police to catch and arrest the thug, who was later sentenced to 4 months in prison. Since the incident, Finn has retired from his duties and has now switched from Finn the police dog to Finn the pet. Retired police dogs aren\u2019t always kept on by their handlers, but Dave said there was \u201cnever a chance\u201d he would let Finn go. <\/span> Breed:<\/b> Cocker Spaniel<\/span><\/p>\n Seven-year-old cocker spaniel Sam, another military dog, saved countless lives on the battlefield with his amazing ability to detect landmines and other explosives before they are a danger to British troops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The dog, who belongs to the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, has been deployed on multiple tours to Afghanistan. The first of which, in 2013, saw Sam fall down a 30ft well whilst he was on a search mission. Unfortunately, Sam broke his foot and was immediately evacuated to Camp Bastien, where his injuries were treated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once he had fully recovered, Sam was eager to get back into the field and do what he does best – save lives. Six months later, Sam <\/span>took part in Operation Ismay, helping to secure the NATO summit near Cardiff by searching areas and buildings as part of an effort involving 9,000 policemen.<\/span><\/p>\n Sam then rejoined the armed forces for two further tours in Afghanistan, where he continued to carry out his outstanding detection work. Sam went on to become the Army’s best explosive detection dog!<\/span><\/p>\n But Sam wasn\u2019t just a good nose and a trooper, he was a friend too! During his downtime, Sam would often visit injured soldiers in the medical centre to keep spirits and morale high. <\/span> Breed<\/b>: Collie cross<\/span>
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\n<\/span>Despite being injured by three grenade blasts – causing damage to his chest, legs, ears and teeth – amazing Mali showed phenomenal courage and persevered in the mission which lasted 7 and a half hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n<\/span>We say very well deserved Mali! <\/span><\/p>\n<\/b>2. Sherlock, Murphy & Roscoe\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>Mich Boyle, Murphy and Roscoe\u2019s handler said: \u201cevery time I work with them and they find something, it amazes me, and gives me immense satisfaction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n3. Finn<\/b><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>Dave said that he\u2019ll \u201cmiss him at work, but now we\u2019ll get to go away together and have lots of new adventures”. Dave and his family recently took Finn to a lovely seaside holiday in Norfolk. This is the sort of thing we just love to hear! <\/span><\/p>\n4. Sam<\/b><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>Lieutenant Colonel Neil Lakin said that \u201cdespite the ordeal of falling from such a great height and becoming injured, Sam has bounced back and become one of our most valued assets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n5. Fleur\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>After enduring horrific abuse and neglect in Romania, Fleur was rescued from a kill shelter and has since become a therapy dog in the UK.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n