A hero sniffer dog who saved lives in Afghanistan has been hailed by tens of thousands of fans at Manchester City.
Treo the Labrador – a lifelong Blues fan according to his handler – was showered with praise at Eastlands after being awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
He twice saved soldiers and civilians while on patrol in Helmand province by sniffing out Taliban explosives hidden in a path. Nine-year-old Treo and handler Sgt David Heyhoe were honoured for their bravery at half time during City’s 3-0 win over Wigan last night.
Sgt Heyhoe, who officially retires from the forces tomorrow, said: “We’re both City fans – I have City tattoos all over my body. It’s amazing to be here in front of the fans.
“Normally, we watch the games together at home — and Treo follows the ball on the screen throughout the match.
“With Treo, everything is ball-led. When he looks for explosives, he thinks he’s looking for his tennis ball and is always rewarded with a tennis ball afterwards. That’s how he was trained.”
Treo and Sgt Heyhoe – originally from Wythenshawe – were announced over the speaker system and walked pitchside in front of the family stand.
Last month Treo received the Dickin Medal from Princess Alexandra at the Imperial War Museum in London.
The award is the highest honour an animal can receive for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflicts. It was introduced by the veterinary charity the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals in 1943.
Treo served as part of the 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, in Helmand province in 2008.
He was in danger of being put down before being found to be an ideal search dog and has retired after five years’ service.
Sgt Heyhoe – in his 24th year with the Army – said Treo was ‘part of the family’. He was the 63rd animal presented with a PDSA Dickin Medal.
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