As the Russia-Ukraine war wages on, people around the world have stepped up to help those who are suffering because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine back in February 2022. One hero in particular who has gained worldwide fame and praise for his service isn’t a person at all, but a dog named Patron – a two-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who sniffs out Russian explosives in Ukraine.
This Dog in Ukraine Helps Neutralize Explosive Devices
As a bomb-sniffing pyrotechnic dog working with State Emergency Service rescuers in Ukraine, Patron has so far helped to neutralize over 100 explosive devices since the invasion, saving countless lives in the process. Now, the talented canine has earned a devoted fanbase on social media, and rightfully so.
Patron the dog helps to clear the village of Shestovitsa in the #Chernihiv region from Russian mines and shells pic.twitter.com/L7diVjLmCn
— Oriannalyla 🇺🇦 (@Lyla_lilas) April 19, 2022
“Patron the dog helps to clear the village of Shestovitsa in the #Chernihiv region from Russian mines and shells,” a Twitter user shared on April 19th, along with four photos of the dog in action.
This is Patron.
— Goodable (@Goodable) April 15, 2022
He's a service dog who looks for mines and explosives in Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war, he has single handedly discovered one hundred and fifty explosive objects.
He's a good boy. pic.twitter.com/XudwDjhAyT
Patron the Dog Is a Hero in Ukraine
“This is Patron. He’s a service dog who looks for mines and explosives in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, he has single-handedly discovered one hundred and fifty explosive objects. He’s a good boy,” wrote Goodable on April 14th.
A good boy, indeed.
🦮Baby Patron at work. The dog helps search for mines and missiles 💣#ukraine #poland #russia #breakingnews #breaking #war #ukrainewar #Krieg #Polska pic.twitter.com/jaFobDv2AE
— Mateusz Sobieraj (@MateuszSobiera3) April 20, 2022
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In another recent tweet, a user shared a photo of Patron taking some much-needed shut eye after a full day’s work.
The rescue talisman, the dog Patron, did a good job today.#Ukraine #Bucha #Patron #StopWarInUkraine #Putin #Donbas pic.twitter.com/bSfadicT6a
— Oksana V10 (@MixShop81065230) April 20, 2022
Patron has also inspired plenty of fan artwork, including these adorable illustrations:
The dog's name is "Patron", is a hero who managed to locate #Russian mines after leaving them in civilian cities.#Retweet the #Hero 🐶!#Патрон #Jackrussell #GloryToUkraine #StandWithUkraine️ #StandUpForUkraine #UkraineArmy pic.twitter.com/mqV1JcTUzD
— Arthur Politic 🇺🇦🔱 (@ArthurPolitic) April 17, 2022
Jack Russell Terriers Like Patron Make Excellent Bomb Sniffers
Because of their small stature, strong sense of smell and high intelligence, Jack Russell Terriers like Patron make for excellent bomb sniffers. In fact, it’s been estimated that some dogs are able to smell up to 10,000 times better than humans can, which makes Patron an invaluable member of Ukraine’s team of rescuers.
So far, the Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in over 46,000 deaths, 12,000 non-fatal injuries, at least 400 missing people and 13 million people displaced from their homes. As of April 21, Ukrainian forces are resisting Russian attacks in Mariupol, Ukraine, while 120,000 people remain trapped in the city. Here’s how you can help the people of Ukraine, and all the animals stranded in shelters.
According to a recent opinion article in CNN, a professor and the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Jeffrey Sachs commented that the only way the conflict will end would be through a peace deal, which would require a compromise on NATO from the U.S., which so far they’ve rejected.
Lead image by alexei_tm/Adobe Stock.