France honours hero dogs, highlighting their achievements

A French soldier with his dog Olaf standing at attention during a ceremony in Suippes, eastern France, on Oct 20, 2022. Photo: AP

From tracking down suspects in the 2015 Paris terror attacks to fighting extremists in Africa’s Sahel region, dogs have helped French soldiers, police officers and rescue teams save lives for more than a century.

In recognition of the four-pawed partners, France on Oct 20 inaugurated a memorial paying tribute to all "civilian and military hero dogs”. It features a sculpture by French-Columbian artist Milthon depicting a World War I soldier and his dog huddled together.