Australia's bravest dog Sarbi loses cancer battle

AUSTRALIA'S bravest military dog is being farewelled after battling brain cancer.

Explosive Detection Dog Handler Corporal Adam Exelby with Explosive Detection Dog Sarbi who received the Purple Cross from the RSPCA. The RSPCA Australia Purple Cross represents outstanding animal service or sacrifice, and has been awarded only seven times previously.

AUSTRALIA'S bravest military dog has been farewelled after battling brain cancer.

The former explosive detection dog went missing for almost 14 months in Afghanistan, helping to cement its reputation as a war hero.

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Her handler, Warrant Officer Class Two David Simpson said that Sarbi had died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Friday.

"Sarbi had a wonderful life serving Australia as an explosive detection dog and as a pet at home for the last five years," Warrant Officer Class Two Simpson said.

"Sarbi will live on in everyone's hearts and minds and I hope that her story of perseverance and determination will inspire you to do whatever you can to achieve your goals and dreams."

Sarbi went missing after a joint Australian, American and Afghan vehicle convoy was ambushed by insurgents in September 2008. Nine Australian soldiers, including Sarbi's handler, were wounded during this action.

It was also the same action for which Corporal Mark Donaldson received the Victoria Cross for Australia.

A dog matching Sarbi's description was found by an American soldier in north-eastern Uruzgan province and returned to the Australian Base in Tarin Kot, where handlers confirmed her identity.

For her brave efforts, Sarbi was awarded the War Dog Operational Medal, the Canine Service Medal and RSPCA Purple Cross Award.

The RSPCA Purple Cross Award recognises the deeds of animals that have shown outstanding service to humans, particularly if they showed exceptional courage in risking their own safety or life to save a person from injury or death.

Last month, a south-east Queensland dog park was named in her honour. 
 

Originally published as Australia's bravest dog Sarbi loses cancer battle