Gunner, with Major Syd Dewes
3 May 2008
By Kiwi Team One, NZPRT 11
The Kiwi One Patrol Team of the NZPRT were really keen to get a dog, and were fortunate when local businessman Mohammad Amin gifted a pup, Gunner, to the Patrol Base.
The Kiwi One Patrol Team of the eleventh NZ PRT rotation is based in a town called Nayak, which is the main centre for the District of Yakawlang, Bamyan Province.
Mr Amin is a respected local man who owns the only mechanical repairs and servicing facility in the District of Yakawlang where Kiwi Team One is based. He also owns a construction company and has been contracted by the NZ PRT to build a number of bridges in the District.
Mr Amin is a member on the Yakawlang District Welfare and Social Shura (akin to a NZ regional level committee) and he's been instrumental in making strong representation to ensure humanitarian aid is distributed to those most in need and particularly to those who live in the more remote areas of the Districts.
As for Gunner, at two years old he’s a huge dog for his age. He’s very protective of the Patrol Base and barks loudly when people walk past the compound.
Gunner was born for the snow and the sheer joy on his face when snow arrived was a sight to see. He would go absolutely mental when the snow was piled up and we made a burrow for him - he would dive into it and sleep there!
Whenever we had been away from the Patrol Base for a few days, upon our return Gunner would be like a child greeting his Dad returning home – he’d jump up and down on the spot and seek immediate connection and affection. Sometimes he'd forget himself and nearly bowl us over as he would leap up and place his paws on our chests.
Gunner proved to be a great companion, guard dog and mascot, and we were all very sad to leave him. We hope our replacements are finding him as much a joy as we did.
Ends
Kiwi Team One, New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) 11, returned to New Zealand on Anzac Day 2008.