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Patron, a loyal dog, has been making headlines for his unwavering dedication to Ukraine's war relief efforts. This remarkable canine has been by the side of his owner, a Ukrainian soldier, throughout the conflict.
Patron's loyalty is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. He has been trained to detect explosives and has even saved his owner's life on multiple occasions.
Patron's story is a heartwarming reminder of the important role animals play in times of crisis. Despite the dangers and uncertainty of war, Patron remains steadfast and true to his owner.
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Meet Patron
Meet Patron, a bomb-sniffing Jack Russell terrier who has become a Ukrainian hero.
He's a fixture of Ukraine's official social media channels and an international symbol of patriotism, with over 220,000 followers on his official Instagram page.
Patron has a powerful snout and wears a pint-sized protective vest, which has made him a beloved and recognizable figure.
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He's even inspired an outpouring of fan art in the form of illustrations and knit plushies.
Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has personally recognized Patron's efforts, handing him an award "For Dedicated Work in the #UAarmy" in a news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Patron is described by Zelenskyy as "a small but very famous sapper", or military engineer, who helps clean the land from the traces of the occupiers.
He also helps teach children mine safety, a crucial task in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.
Patron's work is truly dedicated and selfless, making him a hero not just in Ukraine but around the world.
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The Power of Pets in Ukraine's War Relief
Patron, a 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier, has been trained to recognize the smell of gunpowder and alert his owner, Misha Iliev, to the presence of explosive devices.
With his powerful snout and training, Patron has helped find and remove 236 mines in the city of Chernihiv as of May 12th, 2022.
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Patron's work is crucial in neutralizing mines and missiles left behind by Russian forces, making it possible for civilians to safely return to their homes and communities.
Patron's owner, Misha Iliev, initially bought the dog as a pet for his son, but soon realized that Patron had an extremely strong nose and was very clever.
Patron's training allows him to sniff out explosive devices, and his signal to Iliev prompts the team to find and defuse the devices.
Patron's bravery and skills have earned him recognition from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who presented him with an award for his dedicated work in the Ukrainian army.
Patron's Instagram page has over 220,000 followers, and he has become a symbol of patriotism and a reminder of the importance of pets in war relief efforts.
Patron's work with Iliev demonstrates the power of pets in assisting with critical tasks, such as mine removal and explosive device detection.
Patron's story highlights the crucial role that pets can play in supporting their owners and communities during times of crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Patron the dog?
Patron the Dog was awarded the title of Goodwill AmbassaDOG by UNICEF for his humanitarian work, including protecting children from landmines and promoting mental health. He also joined UAnimals as director of their Communications department.
Who owns Patron the dog?
Patron the dog is owned by Lieutenant Colonel Mykhailo Iliev, who also serves as his handler.
How old is Patron the dog?
Patron the dog is 2 years old. He's a lively Jack Russell Terrier.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_(dog)
- https://www.pbs.org/video/meet-patron-the-adorable-bomb-sniffing-dog/
- https://www.squadronposters.com/product/patron-ukraine-bomb-sniffing-dog/
- https://www.npr.org/2022/05/09/1097585032/patron-dog-ukraine-zelenskyy-medal
- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-patron-bomb-sniffing-dog-ukraine/
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1698165/Ukraine-news-mine-sniffing-dog-Patron-Volodymyr-Zelensky
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