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Buster: hero of Iraq

from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

South London Press

Buster: hero of Iraq

Dec 12 2003

A DOG who sniffed out a stash of arms and drugs in Iraq has been awarded the animal version of the Victoria Cross. Springer spaniel Buster was honoured with the Dickin Medal at Kennington's Imperial War Museum on Tuesday. RICHARD EVANS met Buster and his handler, Sergeant Danny Morgan

ALTHOUGH it was suspected to be a hideout of Iraqi extremists, a search of the building by soldiers failed to turn up anything.

But when Buster gave it the once over, he stopped by a wardrobe and stared at it. "I called the guys in and told them there was something in the wardrobe," said Sergeant Morgan, 38, of the 101 Military Working Dog Support Unit. "They said there was nothing there but I replied that I was 100 per cent sure.

"When we had a close look, a piece of tin fell away from the back of the wardrobe."

Five-year-old Buster had found a haul of AK47 assault rifles, a pistol, six grenades, other ammunition and large quantities of cocaine, cash and propaganda material. "He has taken them off the streets and saved a lot of coalition forces' lives," said Sgt Morgan.

"When we are searching for a bomb, I have to have 100 per cent faith in him and he has to have 100 per cent faith in me. He is not just a dog, he is your life.

"When you are sat in a trench in Iraq and look into his eyes, he reminds you of home. Also, you can tell him all your problems and he never answers back."

Following the war, Buster spent six months in quarantine in Germany before an emotional reunion with Sgt Morgan two weeks ago.

"I called out to him and he looked through the bars, as if to say 'Hold on a minute, that's a blast from the past'. "He wet himself, he was so excited, and when I took him for a walk he didn't leave my side.

"If you can picture what we have been through together during the war - the living conditions, the sand-storms and all that sort of stuff - he looks at you, and you know you have done it together." Following his return from Germany, Buster was well prepared for his big day.

"He had a nice pamper yesterday and the poodle parlour made him look his best," said Sgt Morgan. "I only wish someone had done the same for me.

"He is such a character. He is a gentleman 99 per cent of the time and a rascal one per cent of the time. I just wish I had as much female attention as he gets."

Buster is a particular favourite of Sgt Morgan's six-year-old daughter, Emma.

"She thinks he is a hero. She used to send parcels out with loads of treats for Buster and I would only get a chocolate bar."

And what about the old joke about dogs looking like their owners?

"As long as I don't get big floppy ears, I'll be laughing."

Buster, also a veteran of the war in Bosnia, was awarded the Dickin Medal by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra at the museum on Tuesday, while war reporter Kate Adie was also there for the big day.

* Buster is the 60th animal to be awarded the Dickin Medal. It has been presented to 32 pigeons, 24 dogs, three horses and one cat. The honour was established in 1943 by Maria Dickin, the founder of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. Its aim is to recognise the outstanding bravery of animals serving with the armed forces.

(posted 7411 days ago)

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