Landmine Victims Inspire the Work of Canine Teams

Mines left behind in more than 80 countries worldwide hurt or killed 5,197 people in 2009, a third of whom were children. In 2010, we want to help stop them from hurting anyone else. Some amazing things have been happening, thanks to some HERO DOGS.

With the help of the specially trained dog demining corps, since 1999, at least 3,200km2 of mined land, an area twice the size of London, has been cleared in more than 90 countries and other areas. Mine action operations have resulted in the destruction of more than 2.2 million emplaced antipersonnel mines, 250,000 anti-vehicle mines, and 17 million explosive remnants of war (ERW).

Yet, 70 countries remain contaminated by these hidden killers.

Our school, Glenelg Country School, became involved in this cause because one of our most beloved teachers, Linar Etamadi, has roots in Afghanistan, a country riddled with old landmines. She and a 5th grader, Shelby Patrick, raised awareness about this cause and how every kid can help!

We were part of an effort to raise the $20,000 to train a dog, and I got to meet Arwa, a landmine victim who became my friend.

Ever since then, my sister, Taylor and I can't stop thinking about the tragedies left behind by "forgotten" landmines. Our "Strut Your Mutt" event will raise funds to support the training of a dog to join the corps. We're so excited! Pictured above are Miss Etamadi and my friend from Yemin, Arwa.