AN Australian Army bomb dog survived almost 14 months in the Afghan desert after being declared missing in action during a bloody battle with the Taliban.
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Sabi, a bomb detection dog, was reported MIA after she fled from the same battle in which SAS Trooper Mark Donaldson won his Victoria Cross for risking his life to save an Afghan interpreter in September last year.
Nine soldiers, including Sabi's handler, were wounded in the ferocious firefight that ensured after the Australian, US and Afghan army convoy was ambushed by the enemy.
The black labrador fled from the chaos and was feared dead - until a US soldier found her roaming with an Afghan man in Oruzgan Province last week.
The soldier knew his Aussie colleagues were missing a dog, and realised when Sabi obeyed several commands that she was no ordinary dog.
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Sabi was flown back to Tarin Kowt for an emotional reunion with her trainer, who said "it's just incredible to have her back".
Speaking from Buckingham Palace after meeting the Queen, Trooper Donaldson said Sabi's miraculous survival story closed a chapter of their shared history.
''She's the last piece of the puzzle,'' Tpr Donaldson said.
''Having Sabi back gives some closure for the handler and the rest of us that served with her in 2008. It's a fantastic morale booster for the guys.''
Sabi will now be quarantined before a decision is made on when she can return to Australia