New Delhi, August 30

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his monthly radio address “Mann ki Baat” on Sunday lauded the country’s canine brigade and specifically mentioned about two dogs — “Sophie” and “Vida”. The two brave dogs were awarded the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Cards on August 15.

Sophie and Vida received this honour because they performed their duties diligently while protecting their country, the PM said.

Military sources said Vida, belonging to an Army dog unit under Udhampur-headquartered Northern Command, was instrumental in the timely detection of five mines and one grenade buried underground, preventing possible casualties and injuries to soldiers.

Sophie of the Special Frontier Force (bomb disposal squad) saved lives by sniffing out the presence of initiator/accelerant which could have been hastily used to fabricate an IED (improvised explosive device), they said.

“Such canines have played a very important role in thwarting numerous bomb blasts and terrorist conspiracies,” PM Modi said.

In the past one year, Army dogs have contributed to 53 successful missions for the Indian Army, including tracking of terrorists and recovering individuals from snow-bound areas. The PM also exhorted those planning to raise a pet dog to adopt one from the Indian breeds, saying they are “very good and capable”. — TNS