DOGS are man's best friend but, in many instances, they are more than that.

Like Ella, a K-9 tracking dog from the 11th Infantry Brigade (IB).

She was with the 10-man team led by Second Lieutenant Jay-ar Labasan in trooping Sitio Tulong in Barangay San Enrique Villanueva in Sibulan town, Negros Oriental on April 14 on information from concerned citizens about the presence of armed men in the area.

Ella, a German Shepherd, helped in locating the remains of a rebel who was left by 11 other comrades following the firefight.

With this, her service to the Philippine Army earned her a military merit medal given by no less than Third Infantry Division Commander Major General Benedict Arevalo himself.

Also honored was Private First Class Dave Calumbres, Ella’s handler.

“This awarding ceremony is actually one of the ways that I’m doing to ensure that positive vibes are radiating within the division (but) what is different now, is that, for the first time, I awarded a K-9 dog,” Arevalo said.

He said Ella and her handler indeed accomplished their mission, adding that he will be happy to come back again for their next awards.

Arevalo noted that this kind of recognition is part of his aim to boost the morale and welfare of the troops under the division.