KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - There's little doubt among the soldiers keeping watch over the Arghandab valley that Koma is man's best friend.
Koma, a German shepherd trained to sniff out explosives, recently alerted a security team about an improvised explosive device, or IED, buried right where they intended to deploy to scan the area for Taliban insurgents.
Mujibraman Riassi, who is Koma's master, speaks with pride of the four-year-old canine.
"My dog found the mine in the ground and that's why I think -- and the Canadians believe -- that she's a hero," Riassi said as he stood near the van where the dog rested in its cage after its shift. "She's a good dog."
Recently, a four-member team of soldiers in an armoured vehicle were tasked to protect a work site where Afghan labourers were paving an eight-kilometre stretch of road in the impoverished region.
The road links two forward bases and is critical to civilian and military travel in the valley.
They planned to set up their observation post in the heights above the road in the lush agricultural region to get a clear view of the area.
The spot was checked by explosives specialists and a dog team and something didn't sit right with Koma, who was drawn to a certain spot.
"The dog was attracted to something in the ground, which was an improvised explosive device," said Master Cpl. Harry Little of the 3rd Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont.
Explosives specialists took charge of the scene and disarmed the device, which was detonated later in a safe location.
Little said it is difficult to detect the explosives.
"Sometimes we have bypassed some (IEDs) by chance," Little said. "There was another one which we dug up and exploded later.
"The dogs certainly give us an advantage here. "They are phenomenal."
Koma is one of a specialized group used to detect the explosives, which have claimed the majority of the 116 Canadian lives lost since troops were deployed to Afghanistan in 2002.
Riassi has been teamed with her for three months. Koma was trained in the United States as well as in Afghanistan.
The playful dog is tall and has more brown in her coat than the black and grey usually associated with German shepherds.
She is a lively companion and, once out of her cage, sniffs around as she trots next to her master.
Koma responds to commands given by finger or by glance, but doesn't pay much attention to other human beings. Like any dog, she likes to be petted and given treats.
There are dozens of dogs attached to NATO's International Security Assistance Force. They are kept in top-notch health, with their well-being overseen by the chief veterinarian.
Riassi pointed out the dogs contribute to the safety of workers and civilian employees as well as the military.
The dog handler says it's almost as though the canines view their task as a game, with getting a treat or a toy as a reward.
"My dog is happy when she finds something," Riassi says. "She barks."
