A dog that brings hope with joy, is sometimes fearless and to whom almost everyone is kind.
Springer
Springer is a K-9, and a soldier like his handler.
When the dog arrives at a scene,
soldiers breathe a sigh of relief.
Springer’s so light footed and his nose so sensitive
that he detects trouble before trouble has a chance
to blow someone’s leg off.
Springer and his handler sometimes
travel by plane to scout out trouble.
He hates flying.
One time, the dog yelped for two hours.
But, as soon as its paws hit the ground
it tugged at the lead, eager to get on with the job.
Five minutes went by
when the dog suddenly lay on its belly.
His handler followed Springers nose
and saw in the distance, a mound.
Camouflaged. Easy to miss.
He gave a signal.
It began raining bullets.
Barking.
Confusion.
Terror.
What was happening?
Who’s shooting?
Wherever the dog ran, bullets followed.
Someone was trying to take Springer out.
His handler pulled him under cover and prayed -
they needed all the help they could get.
The company gathered, made a run for the getaway helicopter.
Springer was quiet the whole way home.
No lives were lost.
(Based on a true story).