VIDEO AVAILABLE: CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM
These images and video show a Ukrainian pyrotechnic squad at work in Shestovytsia in the Chernihiv region on Tuesday (19April2022), greeting children and another dog alongside their beloved mascot Patron (aka ‘Bullet’ in translation).
Among the tanks and armoured vehicles, a huge number of shells, mortar mines, grenades, ammunition State Emergency Service of Ukraine sappers are clearing the territory of dangerous materials.
The Jack Russell terrier has become something of an internet hit for his exploits - which have involved helping Ukrainian soldiers sniff out and locate mines and explosives.
To make people aware of mine safety issues, rescuers are interviewing locals and handing out warning leaflets alongside Patron. For his efforts, he is rewarded with his favourite food - cheese.
Where: Shestovytsia, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine
When: 19 Apr 2022
Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**
Meet Patron, a bomb-sniffing Jack Russell terrier who has become a Ukrainian hero
Patron has helped neutralize nearly 90 explosive devices since the start of Russia's invasion.
By Rachel Treisman/NPR
VIDEO AVAILABLE: CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM
These images and video show a Ukrainian pyrotechnic squad at work in Shestovytsia in the Chernihiv region on Tuesday (19April2022), greeting children and another dog alongside their beloved mascot Patron (aka ‘Bullet’ in translation).
Among the tanks and armoured vehicles, a huge number of shells, mortar mines, grenades, ammunition State Emergency Service of Ukraine sappers are clearing the territory of dangerous materials.
The Jack Russell terrier has become something of an internet hit for his exploits - which have involved helping Ukrainian soldiers sniff out and locate mines and explosives.
To make people aware of mine safety issues, rescuers are interviewing locals and handing out warning leaflets alongside Patron. For his efforts, he is rewarded with his favourite food - cheese.
Where: Shestovytsia, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine
When: 19 Apr 2022
Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**
A tiny but mighty Jack Russell terrier has been saving lives in Ukraine and gaining fans around the world.
Two-year-old Patron works with State Emergency Service rescuers in the northern city of Chernihiv, where he sniffs out Russian bombs (in addition to warming laps, nipping sleeves and generally being a good boy).
In fact, he has helped neutralize nearly 90 explosive devices since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian officials said last month.
“One day, Patron’s story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties,” tweeted Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications.
It also shared video clips of Patron on duty, wearing a protective vest and walking around with his snout to the dirt.
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
Patron has been featured on the SES Facebook page, which shared a different montage of him earlier this month riding in the car, sniffing devices laid out on the ground and posing for photos with rescue personnel.
He also appeared in a series of photos the agency posted on Tuesday, in which he can be seen examining debris in a field, posing on an armored vehicle and being held by a young child.
The post referred to him as “our pyrotechnic dog Patron, who is loved by both adults and children,” according to an English translation.
Patron has indeed won hearts and admirers throughout Ukraine and beyond.
Earlier this week, the SES shared an album of more than a dozen illustrations of Patron submitted from fans across the country, writing that “our brave baby Patron has inspired an incredible number of gifted artists.”
“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,” it wrote, according to Facebook’s English translation. “Our Patron doesn’t let his feet down either and sends his gratitude to everyone.”
The paintings, drawings and cartoons depict a heroic Patron in his trademark vest. One shows him urinating on a Russian rocket, in another he’s towering benevolently over a city skyline.
One particularly poignant drawing offers a split-screen view: Half is Patron at work in front of a charred high-rise, while the other half shows him standing in a grassy park next to a ball — a game of fetch that’s been put on hold.
Other admirers have shared sketches and even knit plushies of Patron on social media.
100 000,- 🙀🐶🐶🐶Za tolik se vydražil háčkovanej bombočuch Patron! Peníze jdou na pomoc Ukrajině. To je fakt bomba!💣🧨, viď Patrone? Gratuluju vítězi a smekám také před přihazovateli a hlavně @LuciePoulova ! 🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/0CeLD8CzR3
Dogs have a long history of locating land mines, unexploded bombs and improvised devices during conflicts around the world, thanks to their keen sense of smell.
According to DailyPaws.com, the powerful nose, small size and high intelligence of Jack Russell terriers make Patron a prime candidate for the job.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
