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26 Apr
He's may only stand 10 inches high, but Patron the Jack Russell Terrier is a giant of the Ukraine war effort, working daily to detect unexploded Russian bombs.
Patron, whose name translates as 'Cartridge', is a fully signed-up member of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
To date he has sniffed out about 90 bombs, undoubtedly saving hundreds of lives and lots of property and his favourite reward is simply a cheese snack.
Patron's job, in addition to his natural ability to keep the spirits up, is a canine bomb detector using his nose, his tenacious terrier determination, drive and energy to seek out the deadly armaments.
He has been trained to stand back and allow the SES team to examine the bomb at close quarters, but terriers being terriers, Patron find it hard to miss any of the action and his nose is never far from the bombs.
Read more: Adorable dog shot and left for dead starts life again
He is it seems, the littlest hero in Ukraine.
A just two-years-old this tiny dog reflects the incredible spirit of his country in the face of a giant enemy; small in stature but brave, feisty, determined and willing to keep going to the end.
Patron works with the team of Sappers of the SES in the potentially deadly role of cleaning unexploded bombs in various areas in the north of the country including Chernihiv Oblast.
He was trained as an explosives scent dog and is on the ground with the Sappers by day and by night he attends meetings, travels, eats, drinks and sleeps with the team.
And now he is appearing in endless images and videos, this pint sized hero spotted at the heart of everything they are involved in, his distinctive barking giving away his enthusiasm for hard and dangerous work.
As a result Patron has won hearts of admirers throughout Ukraine and beyond, and with his team setting up social media accounts on his behalf, this little terrier now has a fanbase across the globe.
He has appeared in a series of photos the service posted, in which he can be seen examining debris in a field, posing on an armoured vehicle and being held by a young child.
The post referred to him as "our pyrotechnic dog Patron, who is loved by both adults and children".
And he also is the subject of many paintings, drawings and cartoons depicting the heroic Patron in his trademark vest. One shows him peeing on a Russian rocket, in another he's towering over a city skyline.
And one poignant drawing shows a split-screen view: Half is Patron at work in front of a charred high-rise, while the other half shows him standing in a grassy park next to a ball - a game of fetch that's been put on hold.
Other admirers have shared sketches and even knit soft toys of Patron on social media.
Earlier this week, the SES shared an album of more than a dozen illustrations of Patron submitted from fans across the country. A spokesperson said: "Our brave baby Patron has inspired an incredible number of gifted artists.
"It motivates us not to give up no matter how hard it is, to keep the bar high and to fight with new strength, knowing how many people are still waiting for help and how many people believe in us.
"Our Patron doesn't let his feet down either and sends his gratitude to everyone."
"One day, Patron's story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties."
Never underestimate the exercise requirements of the Jack Russell Terrier. While small, they need a good deal of exercise and mental stimulation every day to keep them content.
Generally quite healthy but conditions that need to be considered include: Legg Calvè Perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation, Tracheal collapse, Allergic skin disease
The short coat of the Jack Russell is low maintenance but they can shed excessively. This is especially true in the summer months and when they are excited or stressed.