PUTRAJAYA: Amid the colourful floats and marching contingents of this year’s National Day parade, a senior Labrador from the Civil Defence Force (APM) drew the crowd’s attention.
"The dog, named Tar, is part of the Search and Rescue (SAR) team," said Wellington Ho, an APM volunteer.
"We wanted to showcase the functionality of this kind of dog at such an important event."
Ho explained that Tar had served in Batang Kali in the 2022 landslide that caused 31 deaths, sniffing through rubble and comforting families with missing relatives.
"His senses are still strong enough for operations in wilderness areas," he said, adding that Tar is now 10 years old.
Tar’s quiet presence on the truck was a reminder that Merdeka is not only about flags and fireworks, but also about everyday heroes who can be human or even canine.
Many spectators gathered to take pictures with Tar, sealing his place as one of the parade’s most beloved stars.
