Dogsey

Australia’s most decorated war dog has died.

Sarbi, a former army explosives detection dog that survived enemy gunfire and explosions in Afghanistan, succumbed to brain cancer.

Her handler, army Warrant Officer David Simpson said Sarbi died peacefully 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,” he said in a statement.

“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 was attached to the Australian Special Operations Task Group in 2008, vanishing from the same patrol and in the same action for which Trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross.

During the bitter fighting, nine Australian soldiers, including Sarbi’s handler, were wounded.

Thirteen months later a US soldier on patrol in the same area spotted a black labrador walking with a local villager, an unusual sight in Afghanistan.

Back at the Australian base at Tarin Kowt, a quick check of the dog’s microchip confirmed it was Sarbi.

Sarbi was awarded the War Dog Operational Medal, the Canine Service Medal and RSPCA Purple Cross.

The Purple Cross recognises animals that have shown outstanding service to humans.

Only eight have been awarded, including to John Simpson’s donkey Murphy, posthumously recognised on behalf of all donkeys who carried wounded soldiers at Gallipoli.