http://www.smh.com.au/national/diggers-dog-quake--killed-in-firefight-20120702-21cwc.html An Australian soldier has been wounded and a "much-loved" military dog killed during a firefight with insurgents in Afghanistan. The soldier sustained minor injuries during a joint operation by the Afghan National Security Forces and Australian Special Operations Task Group on Monday last week. The soldier was treated for his wounds after the operation and returned to full duties. Advertisement: Story continues below His next-of-kin in Australia were informed. A four-year-old military dog called Quake was also killed during the operation. He was struck by small-arms fire in an engagement with insurgents. The dog's body was returned to Multi-National Base in Tarin Kowt and his ashes will soon be repatriated to Australia, a statement from the defence department says. The dog was on his second tour to Afghanistan. Australian Special Operations Task Group commander, who can only be identified as Lieutenant Colonel J for security reasons, said the the dog was a "much-loved member of the SOTG" and would be sorely missed. "Personnel who work closely with our dogs form extremely close bonds with them so this death will affect them," Lt Col J said in a statement today. The joint mission destroyed an insurgent bomb training and manufacturing facility, he said. Rest in Peace little one...
They Will Not Go QuietlyThey will not go quietlyThe dogs who have shared our lives.In subtle ways they let us kmowtheir spirit still survives.Old habits still make us thinkwe hear a barking at the door.Or step back when we dropa tasty morsel on the floor.Our feet still go around the placethe food dish used to be,And sometimes, coming home at night,we miss them terribly.And although time may bring new friendsand a new food dish to fill,that one place in our heartsbelongs to them....and always will.Linda BarnesRest In God's Peace Warrior.
