It’s the end of another hard day for this Australian sapper and his explosive detection dog. The dog is tired as he lies on a high post while his master takes off his war gear.
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The dog is at eye level with his master, they are equal, one could not work without the other.
This is the moment immortalised in a bronze sculpture created by Ewen Coates at the Australian War Memorial, and now, at Thompson Health Care retirement homes across Australia.
The sculpture, titled Elevation of the Sense was unveiled in Canberra in 2015 and commissioned by Douglas Thompson, the owner of Thompson Healthcare, and a veteran of national service.
Engraved on the side of the sculpture were the names of dogs that have been killed in operations.
Razz, Merlin, Andy, Nova and Lucky.
But upon closer look, a human name can be spotted with the name of another dog.
Sapper Darren Smith and Herbie. They died together in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan in June 2010.
After the sculpture was unveiled in Canberrra, Mr Thompson was so impressed that he asked Mr Coates to produce 12 exact replicas of the sculpture to reside in his nursing homes across NSW.
On Friday, April 20, the smaller replica sculptures were unveiled at Abbey House and Bowral House in the Southern Highlands.
The sculptures were “faithfully exact replicas” of the original, reproduced by Mr Coates.
Mr Thompson said the sculptures were a sign of respect for the dogs and sappers who were often forgotten about.
“Dogs and horses were only paid lip service after the war,” he said.
“We wanted a memorial for them to show our thanks for what they did and still do in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Australian War Memorial director Dr Brendan Nelson AO said he was very impressed with Mr Thomspon’s support.
“Sapper Darren Smith was killed with dog Herbie, and they were buried together,” he said.
“This sculpture is not just a sign of respect, but a reminder for the residents and the visitors that we are free people in no small way because of those who wear the uniform.”