These unsung heroes arrived from the United Kingdom in 2023, dog passports in hand, to protect people, infrastructure, and peace operations from hidden explosives. In Somalia’s capital, their highly sensitive noses serve as frontline defense, their presence providing security, and their partnership with their handler demonstrating how trust and teamwork confront extraordinary danger.
Every effective detection dog relies on a handler who knows them intimately. Sam, who has worked in Somalia since 2019 and trained four dogs during his tenure, views his role as more than employment—it’s a calling.
This trust manifests in every interaction. Thelma and Gordon monitor Sam constantly, responding to subtle hand signals and body language. This relationship, cultivated through daily work, play, and care, forms the foundation of their effectiveness. Without it, performance suffers. With it, they thrive.
