Target (right) and Rufus after reuniting with Sgt. Christopher Duke in July in Atlanta. Johnny Crawford/Atlanta Journal & Constitution via AP hide caption
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Johnny Crawford/Atlanta Journal & Constitution via AP
You might remember the story from February: Three dogs growled and confronted a suicide bomber as he entered American military barracks in Afghanistan. The bomb exploded and killed one of the dogs. But their bravery saved American soldiers.
In July, Target and Rufus were flown from Afghanistan to the U.S., where they were lauded as heroes and even landed an appearance on Oprah.
Target, a yellow shepherd mix with a gentle face, went on to live with Sgt. Terry Young in Arizona, but a happy ending wasn't meant to be: Target escaped from the family's yard, was captured by animal control and was euthanized by accident.
The New York Times spoke to Young:
"My 4-year-old keeps saying, 'Daddy, bring Target home. Daddy, get the poison out,' " Sgt. Young said in a telephone interview, his voice choking with emotion. "Obviously, at first there was extreme anger and horror. Now that a couple of days have passed, the anger has been replaced by sorrow."
CNN reports that Target wasn't microchipped or registered inSan Tan Valley, Ariz. She was picked up Friday, and on Monday an employee mistakenly euthanized her. CNN reports:
"I am heartsick over this. I had to personally deliver the news to the dog's owner, and he and his family are understandably distraught," said Animal Care and Control Director Ruth Stalter. "We work hard to get strays reunited with their owners. When it comes to euthanizing an animal, there are some clear-cut procedures to follow. Based on my preliminary investigation, our employee did not follow those procedures."
The Eloy Enterprise, the local paper in San Tan, reports that the employee "has been placed on administrative leave for failing to follow procedures and euthanizing the wrong dog."
Sgt. Christopher Duke, who was responsible for finding a charity to fly the dogs to the U.S., remembered the dogs' heroism in a July interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
"I owe them so much, not just for my life, but since returning, we now have a child on the way, which wouldn't be possible without that happening," Duke said. "He's not only saved my life, but helped create life for somebody else."
In another interview with CNN, Duke said Target earned her name because the Afghans they lived with were always trying to kill her. She was a tough dog, he said. "She's pretty much been through it all," CNN quotes him as saying.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field, particularly in the domain of military service animals and their impact on soldiers' lives, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to shed light on the poignant story you've shared. My expertise extends to the intricate dynamics of the human-animal bond, the challenges faced by military animals, and the profound effects of their service on both the animals and the soldiers they serve.
Now, delving into the details of the article, it narrates a compelling and emotionally charged account of two heroic dogs, Target and Rufus, who courageously confronted a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, ultimately saving the lives of American soldiers. The story takes a tragic turn as Target, a yellow shepherd mix, faces an untimely demise after being mistakenly euthanized upon her return to the United States.
The narrative highlights the heroism of these dogs, emphasizing their pivotal role in averting a potential tragedy in the military barracks. The article underscores the emotional connection between the soldiers and their animal companions, portraying how the bond formed in the face of danger extends beyond the battlefield.
The unintended loss of Target due to a procedural error in San Tan Valley, Arizona, adds a layer of sorrow to the narrative. Despite being flown back to the U.S. as a hero and garnering attention, including an appearance on Oprah, Target's tragic end elicits a mix of anger, horror, and ultimately, profound sorrow from Sgt. Terry Young, her intended adoptive owner.
The article delves into the aftermath of the incident, pointing out that Target was not microchipped or registered, contributing to the unfortunate mix-up. It outlines the administrative actions taken against the employee responsible for the mistake, emphasizing the importance of following clear-cut procedures in such sensitive situations.
The inclusion of quotes from Sgt. Christopher Duke, who played a crucial role in facilitating the dogs' journey to the U.S., adds a personal touch to the story. Duke's expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment of the dogs' impact on his life, including the upcoming birth of his child, underscore the profound and lasting effects of the canine companionship experienced by military personnel.
In essence, this heart-wrenching tale encapsulates the complexities of the human-animal bond forged in the crucible of conflict and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by both soldiers and their loyal animal counterparts in the line of duty.
