Shelter Euthanizes Afghan War Hero Dog - UPI.com

Online, November 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - PHOENIX, (UPI) -- A dog that saved dozens of lives in Afghanistan was mistakenly euthanized after she slipped away from her Arizona home, her adopted owner said.

Sgt. Terry Young said when he went to Pinal County's Casa Grande Shelter to fetch Target, a shelter employee brought him the wrong dog, The Arizona Republic of Phoenix reported Tuesday.

Young waited for an hour Monday before the director of the shelter told him there had been a mistake and Target had been euthanized.

Young brought Target back to Arizona after she served a heroic tour of duty in Afghanistan that included saving Young from being fatally injured by shrapnel.

Her story was featured in the Arizona Republican and on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Pinal County said it is investigating the incident.

"When it comes to euthanizing an animal, there are some clear-cut procedures to follow," said Ruth Stalter, animal control director. "Based on my preliminary investigation, our employee did not follow those procedures."

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/11/16/UPI-98181289915935/