Tale of a Labrador who aided the Indian Army

Dogs are faithful animals and it is not without reason that they are referred to as Mans best friends. On dog has carved a niche for itself in the annals of the Indian army. He was a Labrador named Rex. The dog is now no more but that is all the more reason to remember a canine who gave his life so that the Indian army may succeed in its battles with Islamic terrorists.

Dog squads are maintained and trained by the army for a specific use. They are used as sniffers and trackers. The Indian Air Force also uses dog squads in desert regions to guard aircraft. Rex was a special breed and during his operations with the army against Islamic terror groups was awarded the GOC-in-C Commendation card for outstanding and exemplary service.

Rex

A brief look at the life of Rex will reveal that he was not any ordinary dog and did yeoman service for the Army. Records indicate that he was a pure Labrador and was born on 25 February 1995 at Remount and Veterinary center at Meerut. This is the premier training center of the army for its animal corps like horses and dogs. After his birth the dog was handed over to specialized trainers who began the arduous task of training the dog as a sniffer and tracker. The training lasts almost a year after the training a test is carried out. Rex passed all the tests and was inducted into the 14 Army Dog Units which was attached to the Army units operating in Kashmir against Islamic terrorist.

Rex was an asset from day one and helped the army special group to track Islamic militants in the thick jungles of NW Kashmir. In one incident during along encounter and a chase lasting 4 hours, he was able to help army recover an AK47 rifle. In another incident, in April 1998 Rex pursued a wounded militant and was able to track him from his trail for 2 km and help the army reach the militant. An Ak 47 was recovered.

Rex and Militants

Rex continued his pursuit of militants till on one of the operations in Rajouri sector he received bullet injuries. He was badly injured but the army moved him swiftly to the Army Veterinary hospital. Despite the best treatment, Rex passed away on 22 September 1999. All dog lovers must read this small tribute to Rex.