Sadly it has been reported that  ‘Lucky’ the Labrador/retriever cross breed Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) has been ‘missing in action’ in Afghanistan since July 4 2011.

His first operational duty with the Australian special forces seems to have ended in tradegy for the highly trained search animal  Lucky was other wise know as EDD 499.

It would appear from reports that Lucky broke away from his patrol during a battle with insurgents and despite attempts to call him back he did not return back to the unit.

Since he went missing the unit had made attempts to encourage the return of the dog including using a loud speaker and offering rewards for his safe return.

Dogs have been used in military situations since time began and can be evidenced throughout historical journals and paintings.

Stubby, a pit ball terrier, was the US’s first war dog. He saved many of his regiment from mustard gas attacks as well as carrying messages under fire.

Stubby returned with Robert Conroy after the war ended and became GeorgeTown University’s mascot.  The dog passed away in his owners arms in 1926.