(Image Source: ABC)
 

BY MATTHEW HIBBARD

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“The Afghans actually ran over her with one of her vehicles and that's how she got her name. You know, they kind a targeted her for some reason. So we called her Target and I mean really, there’s no killing this dog for sure. I mean, she’s pretty much been through it all." (CNN)

A two-year-old shepherd mix, who protected US troops from a suicide bomber, dodged gunshots and even lived through an attempted hit-and-run was sadly put to rest by mistake.

The dog wandered from Sergeant Terry Young’s yard, was picked up by animal control and mistakenly euthanized. Young tells Sky News -- Target was more than just a dog.

“Even if you don’t even look at the suicide bomber equation and you just look at what she meant to me as far as my peace of mine and just actually feeling good you know on occasion while being over there that alone, my sanity factor, she absolutely saved my life.”

Young took the dog back home with him once his tour of duty. Target traveled with him around the country earning the label of a war hero and even appeared on Oprah. The County Supervisor tells KGUN, this mistake has angered more than just the owner.

“We all make mistakes; unfortunately this one coast the life of an American hero. That's the hardest thing to swallow and I’ve had veterans a number of veterans call. You know, how could you let his happen and that person should be terminated in all capital letters.”

A writer for Care2 says for a dog who seemed invincible it’s heartbreaking to see him die this way.

“Target managed to survive explosives and being shot in a war-torn country, but was let down by bureaucracy and the people she trusted most.”

The animal control employee responsible for putting Target to rest has been placed on administrative leave.

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