Just a pat for a job well done!

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Link: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=feb2307\ne1

 

Just a pat for a job well done!

From Raju Das

SHILLONG, Feb 22 – In normal circumstances, they would have

received all the attention and accolade for recovering improvised

explosive devices (IEDs) weighing between five to seven kgs. But,

Danny, Dinesh, Shambu and their ilk just got a fond pat on their

back for a job well done!

 

These untiring Assam Rifles' (AR) crusaders against insurgents in

the region are not asking for pay hike or better facilities, unlike

some of their human counterparts, in the oldest paramilitary force.

 

In fact, 30 dogs in the Assam Rifles are silently doing what they do

best – saving precious human lives, unselfishly. Thirty more are

being trained. The only solace they get for performing their duty is

a caring pat on the back or at times medals – wonder if they care?

 

Recently, Danny recovered three IEDs in Manipur, weighing between

five to seven kgs. Then, Dinesh recovered another one weighing 2.5

kgs. Shambhu had similar achievements. " If these devices exploded

they would have caused immense damage, " said Officer Commanding of

AR's dog breeding and training centre, Lt.Col. BB Kulkarni, from

Jorhat.

 

The AR only trains Labradors and Alsatians in its centre. " Alsatians

are pressed into service for tracker missions because of their keen

hearing senses, " Kulkarni informed.

 

Both Labradors and Alsatians are used for recovering explosives and

narcotics. But before that all these dogs go through intensive

training courses.

 

Pups from the age of six months are given basic training. Then they

are pressed into a specialized training course of 36 weeks.

 

All the Dannys, Dineshs and Shambus have passed through these tough

phases of their lives. Normally, they would serve the AR for about

seven years. Then they would retire. For these friends of the

hills, `that will do.'