Tiny Bomb-Sniffing Dog Finds Over 150 Explosives In Ukraine

When most people picture a working dog, they think of German Shepherds, Belgian Malinoises, or other large, strong breeds. Jack Russell Terriers are probably far from what you might expect. However, a bomb-sniffing Jack Russell named Patron is likely the most famous working dog in Ukraine.

Amid the war, Patron has located many explosives, saving people’s lives. He might not look tough, but he plays an important role in keeping Ukrainians safe. He has also gained a significant fanbase while going about his duties. This brave pup is a hero!

Jack Russell Saves Lives

The two-year-old dog was named Patron because it means “bullet” in Ukrainian. Despite being so small, Jack Russells make excellent bomb-sniffing dogs because they’re hunting dogs with a great sense of smell. Their size allows them to squeeze into small spaces without setting off land mines.

Patron spends his time sniffing out explosives in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv. Many reports have stated that he has sniffed out 90 explosives so far, but a more recent post said that he has now located about 150 explosives. And he’s not stopping anytime soon!

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“One day Patron’s story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties,” Stratcom Centre UA wrote on Twitter.

In videos of Patron’s adventures, he always looks excited to get to work. He wears a special protective vest every time he’s on the job.

Heroes Come in All Sizes

Patron has quickly gained a following on social media, especially among Ukrainians. Some people affected by the war have said they feel motivated after seeing Patron’s dedication. If this pup can keep fighting during difficult times, then there’s still hope.

“It motivates not to give up no matter how hard it is, to keep the bar high and to fight with new strength, knowing how many people are still waiting for help and how many people believe in us,” ДСНС України (the State Emergency Service of Ukraine) wrote on Facebook.

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Even though Patron has an intense job, he lives a normal dog’s life in his free time. He lives with his handler’s family, so he gets plenty of time to relax and play just like any other dog. He can’t resist playing fetch with a good stick.

If you’d like to stay up-to-date on Patron’s adventures, you can follow him on Instagram. Many of his fans have drawn adorable artwork of him and tagged him on social media. He’s a wonderful canine who deserves all this extra love and attention.