Brave Labrador Rescued From Frontline

Having patrolled alongside British troops for five years in Afghanistan, Tangye the dog, is finally out of harm's way thanks to a Facebook campaign.

Since being adopted by British troops and taken to Afghanistan, Tangye the labrador has lived a colorful but ultimately, dangerous life on the frontlines. Now thanks to an online campaign, he is about to begin a new life on safer soil.

Since he arrived with the C Company, 3^rd Battalion troops five years ago, the black lab has become a constant companion to them and, during missions he remained faithfully by their side, reports the UK's Daily Mail. But recently, there were concerns that his adventurous, playful nature could prove fatal and that he should be sent back home to Britain.

Natalie Pomroy, who runs online forum, Labrador Links Rescue heard about Tangye in January and started a Facebook campaign which soon gained 5000 members and kicked off the mission to rescue Tangye from the frontlines. Assisted by the Labrador Retriever Rescue Southern England charity as well as volunteers, a sum of $7,500 was raised to pay for his safe trip home. Another charity, Nowzad Dogs, which deals with rescuing war-afflicted animals in Iraq and Afghanistan also helped to transport Tangye from Kajaki in Helmand back to the UK.

Lance Corporal Brent Meheux said the troops will all miss their friend and mascot terribly: "When the lads were under fire he would run up and down the line barking and wagging his tail. It was like he was shouting encouragement." While a spokesperson for the battalion added: "He accompanied almost every patrol with the riflemen and had probably completed more patrols than even the most experienced soldier."

But Jean Henman of LRRSE said the countless missions were just becoming too dangerous and the troops knew they had to let him go: "He would run ahead of them on patrols and they were getting worried he'd step on an improvised explosive device."

Now Tangye, who was named after a village near the base he once called home, in Helmand Province, will spend six months in quarantine kennels before finding a happy, hazard-free home in the UK, where no doubt his bravery will be rewarded with endless dog treats and love.

Photo courtesy of Facebook.