Army veteran has dog's ashes put in tattoo

An army veteran is so devoted to his dog that he's had its ashes tattooed into his leg.

Military dog handler Sgt Dave Heyhoe had Treo's ashes added to the ink in a tattoo of a paw print, above a poem about his loyal friend.

Treo served alongside Dave in Afghanistan and was awarded the animal version of the Victoria Cross.

The Labrador was also the star of his own book, called It's All About Treo.

'The world's bravest dog'

Treo has travelled all over the world in the military with Dave, including Bosnia and Northern Ireland.

The pair also served in Afghanistan, where Treo sniffed out two roadside bombs and endured several attacks including one by a suicide bomber.

He was described as "the world's bravest dog."

The black Labrador was given the Dickin Medal for bravery - the highest award given to animals.

'He's always with me now'

Treo passed away last year, aged 14, and was buried with his medal and a Union Jack flag.

Dave told the BBC the dog was his "best friend".

"For two weeks after, all I did all day was sit talking to him," Dave told Forces TV.

"I thought 'right, I do miss him. I need to feel as though he's part of me. So let's get this tattoo done so he does feel part of me again'. He's always with me now."

Dave doesn't just want Treo's memory to live on in his tattoo though - he also plans to build a memorial and set up a charity to re-home attack and patrol dogs.

Dave's tattooed poem about Treo

I will lay down my life for you and expect nothing but love in return.

I protect my Dad with my life, and would gladly take a bullet in his place.

I find weapons and bombs.

I am the first sent in and sometimes the last to leave.

I am the nose and the ears of my Dad, I protect and serve him.

I would die for him and for you.

I only ask for compassion and a kind word.

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