Ukraine’s top canine bomb sniffer receives award

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has honored the country’s most famous dog, Patron, for his dedication. Patron, a Jack Russell terrier mix, has become a national figure since the Russian invasion for his work with bomb disposal teams in the northern city of Chernihiv. He is credited with uncovering some 150 munitions as one of a team working for the State Emergency Service.

Zelensky presented Patron and his owner, Myhailo Iliev, with the state award “For Dedicated Service” at a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Chernihiv bomb squad team has used Canadian technology in its work.

At Sunday’s ceremony, Trudeau appeared to search his pockets for treats but without success.

At previous media appearances, Patron appears to have been unimpressed by the attention his work has generated.