City fans in salute to hero army dog

[blootoof]

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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[Burt]

Fuclin great that mutt. I was in the North Stand where he walked by and then the soldier held him aloft and pointed his paw towards each stand. Fuclin brill, brought a tear to my eye. Go Treo gooooooooooooooooooooooooo:o)

[Blue Since 76]

One of the most bizarre things i've ever seen. Hadn't realised it was a city fan, so makes sense now.

My main thought was that if it started barking, run like buggery.

[carl_feedthegoat]

Fantastic........I love these kind of stories.

[Blueboylewis]

Like Burt and carl have pointed out. It is quality reading things like this and seeing things like this at a game. What a quality dog he is and well done to him. What a hero!

[Im_Spartacus]

Fuclin great that mutt. I was in the North Stand where he walked by and then the soldier held him aloft and pointed his paw towards each stand. Fuclin brill, brought a tear to my eye. Go Treo gooooooooooooooooooooooooo:o)

Yeah, nice (albeit strange) touch, but I shit myself when he sniffed round the cameraman in the dugout thingy then sat down.

What a lovely dog, but wasn't it shit on the lead :o)

[craigmcfc]

Probably just me but that picture of him sat outside the stadium with the scarf on makes me laugh, proper feel good story. Well done City and what a star the dog is

[avoidconfusion]

What a legend!

[Dronny]

I expected to read that it had savaged 12 u****d fans to death :-(

[Mike J]

love the last picture!

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Am I the one who hates dogs and other animals presented like human beings, wearing scarves claimed to support some football club? I probably am.

[Im_Spartacus]

Am I the one who hates dogs and other animals presented like human beings, wearing scarves claimed to support some football club? I probably am.

Its only a bit of fun, whats the problem?

My dog has a city coat, i'm sure he doesnt support city but it keeps him warm so he likes it. It annoys munichs so I like it.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Am I the one who hates dogs and other animals presented like human beings, wearing scarves claimed to support some football club? I probably am.

Its only a bit of fun, whats the problem?

My dog has a city coat, i'm sure he doesnt support city but it keeps him warm so he likes it. It annoys munichs so I like it.

I didn't mean so much this particular instance but generally. I hate it when animals are treated like humanbeings.

[Alioune DVToure]

Don't remember that dog ever being at City when we were in Division 2. It might well prance around the pitch now we're doing well. Its arse is for rent - it can go fuck itself.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Don't remember that dog ever being at City when we were in Division 2. It might well prance around the pitch now we're doing well. It's arse is for rent - it can go fuck itself.

In my experience, most dogs try to do that quite often.

[Alioune DVToure]

Don't remember that dog ever being at City when we were in Division 2. It might well prance around the pitch now we're doing well. It's arse is for rent - it can go fuck itself.

In my experience, most dogs try to do that quite often.

Haha.

[Im_Spartacus]

Am I the one who hates dogs and other animals presented like human beings, wearing scarves claimed to support some football club? I probably am.

Its only a bit of fun, whats the problem?

My dog has a city coat, i'm sure he doesnt support city but it keeps him warm so he likes it. It annoys munichs so I like it.

I didn't mean so much this particular instance but generally. I hate it when animals are treated like humanbeings.

You mean like these fucking idiots? I get your drift
http://blogpig.co.uk/2010/01/posh-pooch ... d-up-dogs/

If the dog enjoys it then I think its a bit wierd but fine, but if not......
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... ution.html

[M147WN]

Am I the one who hates dogs and other animals presented like human beings, wearing scarves claimed to support some football club? I probably am.

Its only a bit of fun, whats the problem?

My dog has a city coat, i'm sure he doesnt support city but it keeps him warm so he likes it. It annoys munichs so I like it.

I didn't mean so much this particular instance but generally. I hate it when animals are treated like humanbeings.

ok then ... COME ON BOY WALKIES!!

[john@staustell]

Am I the one who hates dogs and other animals presented like human beings, wearing scarves claimed to support some football club? I probably am.

Its only a bit of fun, whats the problem?

My dog has a city coat, i'm sure he doesnt support city but it keeps him warm so he likes it. It annoys munichs so I like it.

Why not? Tell him he´ll be out on his arse if he doesn´t!

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Am I the one who hates dogs and other animals presented like human beings, wearing scarves claimed to support some football club? I probably am.

Its only a bit of fun, whats the problem?

My dog has a city coat, i'm sure he doesnt support city but it keeps him warm so he likes it. It annoys munichs so I like it.

I didn't mean so much this particular instance but generally. I hate it when animals are treated like humanbeings.

You mean like these fucking idiots? I get your drift
http://blogpig.co.uk/2010/01/posh-pooch ... d-up-dogs/

If the dog enjoys it then I think its a bit wierd but fine, but if not......
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... ution.html

That's exactly what I meant.

And I find it debatable at very least whether animals really genuinely like wearing "funny" clothes.