Sarah Todd: Animals bring heartbreak whether at the front or on the farm

Our children love the tale of Greyfriars Bobby, the Edinburgh terrier who wouldn’t leave his owner’s grave. When this old yarn, on the hundredth bedtime reading, can still leave me misty-eyed, there was no hope when news of Lance Corporal Liam Tasker – killed in a firefight with the Taliban – hit the headlines.

Shortly after Lance Corporal Tasker’s death, devoted Theo the spaniel suffered a seizure and passed away too. The pair had uncovered 14 home-made bombs and hoards of weapons in just five months – a record for a dog and his handler in the conflict.

Major Alexander Turner, Officer Commanding 2 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said: “Lance Corporal Tasker was here to save life, finding explosive devices that kill more farmers than combatants. A natural with animals, he had an affection for his dog that truly was a window to his soul. At the most hazardous phase of an advance, he would be at the point of the spear, badgering to get even further forward. That selfless generosity will resonate among us long after his passing...”

If nothing else, this sad story will have raised awareness about the great work being done by these search dogs. Readers may be interested to learn that a campaign has been started to honour Theo for his work.

Calls are being made for his name to be put forward for the PDSA’s Dickin Medal, the highest accolade a military animal can achieve. The award is recognised as the animals’ Victoria Cross, presented to those displaying “conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty” while serving with the armed forces.

Wherever there are animals, there is heartbreak. My grandfather always used to say “better the beast than yourself” if there was ever an animal tragedy on the farm. Ruby Walsh, the jockey, uses the old Irish expression “outside the back door” to try to keep a similar perspective on things. Meaning at least it’s not over the threshold – not one of the family.

Talking of Ruby, I’m having a day at the Cheltenham Festival. It’s all down to my old friend, Bill, the photographer who died last year. He was forever saying “you’re a long time dead – get out” and so this year there will be no excuses.

Finally, do you help run one of Yorkshire’s many livestock markets? If so, I would love to hear from you. Drop me a line at [email protected] with the name of the market and the day of the week it takes place. I’m compiling a special Country Week feature and need a list of all the county’s markets.