In the fight against the Russian invasion, many unlikely heroes have emerged in Ukraine. One of them is a 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier dog, Patron, that sniffs out dangerous explosives in the war-torn country.
In March, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) posted a video that showed the adorable dog accompanying the SES members and surveying the war-affected areas for any hidden explosives.
While sharing the video, the SES wrote, “News from Patron! Our militant dog – the mascot of Chernihiv pyrotechnicians continues to serve! Since the beginning of the war, he and SES sappers have cleared almost 90 explosive devices. Thank you, my friend, for your tireless work !”
Patron is credited with saving many lives by discovering unexploded landmines and bombs. Currently, he is stationed at Chernihiv city, which has suffered heavy damage.
After more than a month of the war, Patron has become a hero among netizens around the world, several of whom have made fan art in his name.
Ukrainian direwolf
sapper dog Patron! 💛💙🐶https://t.co/8eEQUQQVzu#ukraine #ukrainianheroes pic.twitter.com/tyBynsRMzB— ARF_art 💙💛#StandWithUkraine (@ArfArts) April 13, 2022
I do not call the Russians Dogs again, because I offend those beautiful and valuable animals. I apologize to this little dog called PATRON and to all the dogs in the world for comparing them to those diabolical Russian things Glory to Ukraine God bless the brave Ukrainian people. pic.twitter.com/SY7I3An1Nz
— Wilson Rafael Tovar Rodriguez (@wilson121tovar) April 12, 2022
🐕❤After the sappers from Chernihiv (the North of Ukraine) showed their assistant dog named Patron, its image inspired artists from all over Ukraine. A selection of painted Patrons was collected by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/5WA4dT7A0J
— Toronto Television / Телебачення Торонто (@tvtoront) April 16, 2022
Цього джек-рассел-тер’єра звати Патрон – він помічник сапера.
Патрон вже знайшов понад 100 мін. Він дуже старається. Служить у підрозділі Державної служби з надзвичайних ситуацій Чернігова.
Патрон, це черговий доказ того – що до перемоги Україну наближають всі. pic.twitter.com/iPX6Z8o0qH— Armed Forces 🇺🇦 (@ArmedForcesUkr) April 12, 2022
Best Influencer Dog ever ♥️
Big Inspiration in Bad Times 🙃🇺🇦#Patron #Detectiondog#Ukraine pic.twitter.com/OrbuEQ5Knr— Paula (@Paula73186555) April 16, 2022
A dog called Patron, who works with SES rescuers in Chernihiv, has helped defuse nearly 90 explosive devices since the beginning of the full-scale invasion 🐶 One day, Patron’s story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties. pic.twitter.com/2PpT8p4Yfr
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) March 19, 2022
Já i Patron srdečně děkujeme za podporu a sdílení 💛!
Máme oba obří radost 🇺🇦#StandWithUkraine️ pic.twitter.com/9FYPhJ5R0f
— Lucie Poulova 🇺🇦 (@LuciePoulova) April 17, 2022
Commenting on one of the many videos of Patron that is doing the rounds of social media, a Twitter user wrote, “Patron deserves a medal. A hero and definitely man’s best friend. ”.
Around the world, dogs are trained by authorities to detect drugs, explosives, and chemicals by harnessing their extraordinary sense of smell.
Interestingly, dogs are also being used in Ukraine as a therapy tool to bring solace to displaced kids.
A ‘therapy dog’ is providing some sorely needed comfort and entertainment for traumatized Ukrainian children displaced by the war raging in their country https://t.co/KU8yHbOXHF pic.twitter.com/p4DaCOHCnp
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) April 14, 2022
As reported by Reuters, at the ‘Dr. Doc’ therapy centre in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, kids are invited to play with Evsei, a friendly spaniel, in an attempt to provide them some moments of happiness and warmth.
