When His Handler Was Killed, This Heroic War Dog Died of a Broken Heart the Same Day

It is a story that almost seems too sensational to be true, but those who have ever known the loyalty of a dog wouldn’t doubt it for a second. And if you love dogs, then this is the story for you. Man’s best friend has played a vital role in the Global War on Terrorism as they have the ability to sniff out roadside bombs that would otherwise kill and maim dozens at a time.

Theo was an English Springer Spaniel who served with the British Army as a bomb detection dog and was paired with handler Lance Corporal Liam Tasker. While the story clearly ends tragically for both, it will warm your heart as you become aware of the bonds forged in war and prove once and for all, that dog really is man’s best friend.

Helmand Province Afghanistan

Some of the most brutal fighting for Coalition forces took place in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Tasker and Theo would find themselves in the thick of that fighting during late 2010 and early 2011 as they sought to protect coalition troops against the devastating roadside bombs and IEDs that plagued the region.

As a result, both the dog and the handler would often find themselves in an exposed position as they investigated potential threats and were often observed by the Taliban as they did so. Despite the dangers and improbable odds of identifying an IED from any other piece of trash on the street, by March of 2011, Tasker and Theo would become the most successful individual working dog team in Afghanistan.

With 14 individual finds, they led all other teams with such success that Theo’s tour of duty was actually extended a month as a result. Tasker and Theo were the ultimate pair and it seem unconscionable to split them up. Command would often note that Theo was a difficult dog to restrain and reign in during danger. But then again, they didn’t think Lance Corporal Tasker much different as they both had insatiable desire to get into the fight.

Patrolling the Nahri Saraj District of Helmand with the 1st Irish Guards, Theo and Tasker came under intense fire from the Taliban. During the fighting, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker was struck by a sniper’s bullet and was killed that day in Afghanistan. All warriors feel the pain of losing a brother in combat, but to Theo it was apparent that this was much more.

Hours after returning to base, Theo suffered a seizure and died the same day as Tasker. And while autopsy results were inconclusive, the men of his unit had no question about the cause of death. It was a broken heart and nothing less. Both Tasker and Theo were flown back to the United Kingdom where Tasker’s mother will neither confirm nor deny whether they are buried together. But the story doesn’t end here.

The Dickin Medal

At the height of World War 2 in 1943, an award to honor the service of animals was created by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, or PDSA. Known as the Dickin Medal, it would go on to become the animal equivalent for the Victoria Cross with the first recipients being a trio of pigeons who helped recover an air crew which had ditched their plane. Other recipients include fellow pigeons, horses, dogs, and even one cat who had a remarkable ability to destroy vermin on the rat infested H.M.S Amethyst in 1949.

And while the award might often serve the purpose of boosting morale in a light hearted manner, the gallantry displayed by animals like Theo is no less. For while we can’t say for certain what the pigeon recipients thought about their handlers, we know full well by now that the dogs were brothers in arms and risked life and limb while having the ability to recognize danger and express emotion.

In 2012, British soldiers and military dogs gathered together at Wellington Barracks in London to recognize the conspicuous gallantry put on display by Theo in Afghanistan. The award was accepted by a soldier and his dog who had served with Liam and Theo. With 14 bomb finds to his name, the number of lives Theo saved could easily exceed triple digits if each one of those massive explosive devices were to find their target. Liam and Theo saved lives together and that is beyond dispute regardless of whether you can accept the premise that Theo died of a broken.


https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/handler-killed-heroic-war-dog-died-broken-heart-day.html

There were "War Dogs" in Vietnam who sniffed out explosives and the booby traps that the VC set.
Some could also warn if "Charlie" was near. When our forces were withdrawn the American Government would not let the dogs come home



most were shot or given to the South Vietnam forces who, in some cases ate them! I saw big tough men break down and cry as their dogs were lead away. MY tears mixed with theirs. It was enough to break your heart. After all these years I still fill up when I think about it.