The Daily Star and Time Magazine are reporting that, in a show of solidarity, Russia is offering to send an Alsatian puppy to France to continue the important anti-terrorism work in which Diesel was involved. The two-month old puppy is named Dobrynya, after Russian folk hero Dobrynya Nikitich who is known for strength and courage.
If you’ve been too busy having fun with your own dog, you may not know that Diesel was a 7-year old Belgian Malinois who worked with an elite French anti-terrorism team known as RAID. The dog was killed when terrorists linked to the attack on Paris holed up in an apartment building and at least one of them detonated a suicide belt.
RAID has 15 dogs, 5 attack dogs used to chase down and hold suspects, and 10 explosive-finding dogs. Diesel, one of the attack dogs, was sent into the apartment when an eerie calm settled in after the tactical squad had initially been met with gunfire and grenades. His task was to ascertain whether or not anyone was still alive in the apartment. He was killed during a subsequent exchange of gunfire.
Diesel was set to retire next spring and is the first RAID dog to have been killed in the line of duty. His death sparked a trending topic on Twitter for #JeSuisChien (I am Dog) and #JeSuisDiesel.
Our deepest condolences to the entire RAID team on their losses in the pursuit of eradicating terrorism, and kudos to the Russians for honoring Diesel with the gift of a new puppy.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!