Australia's most decorated war dog dies
Sarbi, a former army explosives detection dog and Australia's most decorated war dog has died after a short battle with brain cancer.
Her handler David Simpson confirmed the 12-year-old labrador-cross died peacefully on Friday.
Sarbi is famous for having gone missing during the same Afghan battle for which SAS trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded the VC in 2008.
She is thought to have become separated from the Australian patrol after a rocket exploded close by.
The dog was declared 'Missing in Action' but was discovered more than a year later living with an Afghan family.
A US special forces operator was said to have recognised Sarbi as a specialist work animal after he gave her basic commands.
She spent almost six months in quarantine in Dubai before being returned to Australia and reunited with her army trainer.
Sarbi was awarded the Purple Cross, the RSPCA's equivalent of the Victoria Cross for animals.
She has spent the past five years in retirement.
"Sarbi will live on in everyone's hearts and minds and I hope that her story of perseverance and determination will inspire you to do whatever you can to achieve your goals and dreams," Warrant Officer Simpson wrote on her official Facebook fan page.
