From the American Civil War to modern day Afghanistan, these heartwarming pictures reveal the enduring bond between soldiers and their dogs over the centuries. Many of the images capture cherished pets providing fleeting moments of respite for battle-weary troops during times of war. They show a common theme across the globe, with soldiers from the UK and U.S. to Russia and China all pictured with faithful dogs in tow. Soldier's best friend: A member of the Irish Guards with an Irish wolfhound in 1987. The handsome breed has been the regiment's mascot since 1902 One picture shows famous Second World War officer General George Patton playing with his favourite bull terrier, while others show Allied troops accompanied by pet dogs while on patrol in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Touching photographs capture the bond between soldiers and their pets over the centuries
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From General Patton's pet bull terrier Willie, to the canine mascots of troops in Iraq, the pictures reveal the special role played by dogs in times of war
In the U.S. the American pit bull terrier was used in the @placeholder both as a means of protection for soldiers and to send messages.