Army's 'Hero' Iraqi Dog Offered UK Home

Those of the Derry era, will remember how we in the sticks (Strabane, Sion Mills etc), had dogs who were attached to us. The piece below shows how we as humans are still taken with dogs that have attached themselves.

Sandbag the dog - a mascot for British troops in Iraq - is 'free' to come to the UK after an animal charity offered to fund the journey.

A petition to save the 'hero' dog was rejected by Downing Street but a 'disgusted' charity worker vowed to defy the Government. Now a Ministry of Defence spokesperson has said Sandbag is 'free to go'. He lived with British soldiers at their base in Um Qasa, near Basra, and is credited with bringing them good luck.

When the base was handed over to US forces in May, authorities said Sandbag - and fellow mascot Hesco the cat - would not be returning with the British troops.

But now charity worker Emma Simpson and the Blue Cross animal welfare charity have set up an appeal to bring the Iraqi animals to the UK.

She told Sky News Online: "As soon as I heard the plea was rejected, I thought:'God damn it! He's not bloody staying - he's coming here!'"
Sandbag gained his name because of his golden coat and his ability to protect troops. He is rumoured to have survived being shot five times.
More than 6,000 people signed a petition on the Number 10 website to 'Save Sandbag the Dog' - only for the plea to be turned down.

The MoD spokesman said he was now with US troops at the base and the decision was theirs. "As far as we're concerned, so long as those in charge of him approve, he's free to go.

"But we want whatever's best for the dog".