DICKIN MEDAL AWARD CEREMONY HELD FOR BOMB-SNIFFING DOG TREO

Macclesfield's hero soldier dog Treo has had his day once again - after being awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

The four-legged army trooper yesterday (Wednesday) received the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Dickin Medal from HRH Princess Alexandra, under the proud gaze of handler and former Tytherington man, Sergeant David Heyhoe.

Treo, an eight-year-old black labrador, earned the accolade for finding deadly roadside bombs on two separate occasions while patrolling in Afghanistan.

He retired from active service in August last year and now lives with his former handler at the family home.

His detection work prevented death and serious injuries to the patrolling soldiers, according to Sgt Heyhoe, who lived in Tytherington and Rainow for a number of years and has previously met the Prime Minister thanks to his heroic work with Treo.

To read the complete article, see: Medal of honour for hero dog Treo (www.macclesfield-express.co.uk/news/s/1193835_
medal_of_honour_for_hero_dog_treo)

Dave Hirt writes:

An eight year old tabby cat from Wootten Bassett has today been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross for his heroic work in Afghanistan.

Scratcher the cat was presented with his medal by his owner Gladys Francis in an emotional ceremony that unfortunately wasn't attended by any member of the Royal family.

'There was no sign of him for four days and not one person called me about him, then just as I was about to build a little shrine for him in the back garden he turned up. He was covered in dust and he seemed a little tired but it was only after his second bowl of Whiskers that he confessed to his wearabouts for the last few days.'

'He'd been on a secret mission, he told me. He boarded a plane with some soldiers and was flown out to Sangin where he left on foot across some treacherous terrain. He negotiated several minefields, single handedly defeated a Taliban stronghold and located the hiding place of Osama Bin Laden where he was taken prisoner. He managed to escape after tricking guards and headed back to the British army camp where he reported his findings then caught the next plane home.'

'He's a true hero. Much better than that labrador who apparently sniffed out a couple of bombs. Although if you read the newspapers you'd think that dog had single-handedly won the bloody war.'

'I've seen that dog round here and all it does is piss on lamposts and chase pigeons.

To read the complete article, see: Heroic Cat awarded Victoria Cross for Bravery (www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s3i69662)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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