Shillong, Apr 2: It is no longer a dog's life for Dinesh, the Labrador with Assam Rifles, who has sniffed his way to fame by getting a Governor's gold medal for his explosive detection skills. The six-year-old canine was honoured for his skills in detecting explosives which has saved several lives in the Northeast. Besides Dinesh, 40 soldiers were honoured for their gallantry at the investiture ceremony on the occasion of the 173rd anniversary of Assam Rifles on March 25. The number ARL-69 force member puts the labrador's skill to use while performing duties during road opening operations to check the road surface and surroundings and have saved many lives.

The dog has been with the 19 Assam Rifles since March 1, 2004. Giving an account of his sniffing skills, AR officials said on July 31, 2006, the force troopers were clearing the road between Nongda and Leima Khong Mapan on NH 150 in Manipur and proceeding towards Lamlai Police Station, when Dinesh detected a bomb and averted heavy casualties. His sniffing skill enabled the Road Opening Party personnel to spot the 2.5 kg Improvised Explosive Device (IED) concealed in shrubs, about two feet away from the road. The IED was found to be of claymore type with two detonators and 500 meters of electric wire.