Dr Ankur Sharma
In a world where courage, loyalty, and selflessness are cherished traits, few embody these qualities better than the dogs. From search and rescue missions to providing critical assistance to individuals with disabilities, these incredible canines have shown time and again that they are much more than just pets-but our genuine heroes.
Dogs have long played crucial roles in crises, demonstrating unique skills and senses where human capabilities fall short. During the 9/11 attacks in the United States, a Golden Retriever named Bretagne became one of the first responders at Ground Zero, tirelessly searching the rubble for survivors. Across the globe in India, another heroic dog, Zanjeer, a Labrador Retriever, played a vital role during the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, where he detected over 3,000 kilograms of explosives, 600 detonators, and numerous grenades and firearms, helping save countless lives during one of the country’s darkest moments.
Conan, a Belgian Malinois, participated in high-profile military operations, including the raid that led to the capture of a notorious terrorist leader. India’s Axel, an assault dog with the Indian Army, made the ultimate sacrifice during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. He was shot while sniffing out terrorists, helping his human comrades advance in their combat mission. Many defence dogs, like Conan and Axel, are trained to detect explosives, apprehend enemies, and protect their handlers, often risking their own lives for the greater good.
Beyond the battlefield, dogs also save lives through their service to individuals with disabilities. Jedi, a diabetic alert dog in the United States, saved a young boy’s life by alerting his mother to dangerously low blood sugar levels during the night, a life-threatening situation that was averted thanks to dogs vigilance. A dog named Rocket, a Belgian Malinois serving with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) demonstrated similar heroism during the Uttarakhand floods. Rocket helped locate survivors trapped in remote areas, showcasing the life-saving capabilities of service dogs in disaster situations.
In times of emotional distress, therapy and emotional support dogs offer invaluable comfort. Smiley, a blind therapy dog from Canada, spent his life visiting children with disabilities and patients in long-term care facilities, spreading joy and alleviating anxiety with his gentle presence. Meanwhile, in India, therapy dogs like Kent have been recognized for their bravery and service and honoured with the Indian Canine Bravery Award for saving lives during nine anti-terror operations, including a critical Independence Day mission.
Not all hero dogs are famous or wear official badges-some live quietly among us, yet perform extraordinary feats. Duke, a rescue dog from the United States, saved a 9-week-old baby by alerting the parents to the child’s distress in the middle of the night. Max, a dog with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), rescued 10 soldiers trapped under an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. Max’s quick thinking and determination ensured the soldiers’ survival, earning him a Canine Bravery Medal. Whether in American homes or on the treacherous mountains of India, these everyday heroes show that courage knows no bounds.
Throughout history, dogs have been honoured for their bravery and loyalty across the world. In the United Kingdom, the Dickin Medal, often described as the “animal Victoria Cross,” recognizes animals for their acts of valour. In India, the Canine Bravery Awards, instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, celebrate the heroism of dogs who have shown extraordinary bravery and dedication in service. Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), various defence institutes and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also have their own ways of honouring the canine companions who play vital roles in their operations.
From saving lives on battlefields and in disaster zones to providing emotional support and alerting their families to danger, hero dogs are more than just loyal companions. Their stories, from India and beyond, inspire us to recognize the bond we share with our four-legged friends and remind us that true heroism comes in all shapes and sizes-sometimes with a wagging tail.
(The author is Associate Professor, Division of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, SKUAST-Jammu).
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