Australia 's most decorated canine war hero , who was at one stage missing in action for nearly 14 months in Afghanistan , has lost her battle with brain cancer . Sarbi , who worked as an explosive detection dog for the Australian Army , suffered a number of seizures in recent weeks and scans revealed a brain tumour . The canine , affectionately known as 'the wonder dog ' , lost her short battle with the terminal illness on Friday , and died surrounded by her loved ones , according to her handler . Australian Army dog Sarbi , who went missing in action in Afghanistan for nearly 14 months has died from brain cancer . Affectionately known as the wonder dog , she was trained as an explosive detective dog . Sarbi 's handler , Warrant Officer Class Two David Simpson said she had a 'wonderful life ' 'Sarbi had a wonderful life serving Australia as an explosive detection dog and as a pet at home for the last five years , ' Warrant Officer Class Two David Simpson said . 'Sarbi will live on in everyone 's hearts and minds and I hope that her story of perseverance and determination will inspire you to do whatever you can to achieve your goals and dreams . ' Sarbi was attached to the Australian Special Operations Task Group in 2008 , vanishing from the same patrol and in the same action for which Trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross . Here Warrant Officer Class Two David Simpson and Sarbi are pictured being reunited after her time MIA . Sarbi , pictured with Explosive Detection Dog Handler Corporal Adam Exelby , had previously received a number of awards for her bravery . Sarbi attending an air movements brief in Tarin Kowt prior to her departure from Afghanistan . During the bitter fighting , nine Australian soldiers , including Sarbi 's handler , were wounded . Thirteen months later a US soldier on patrol in the same area spotted a black labrador walking with a local villager , an unusual sight in Afghanistan . Back at the Australian base at Tarin Kowt , a quick check of the dog 's microchip confirmed this was Sarbi . Last month , a south-east Queensland dog park was named in her honour . Sarbi was attached to the Australian Special Operations Task Group in 2008 . It was then she went missing , but was returned nearly 14 months later after a US soldier on patrol in the same area spotted a black labrador walking with a local villager . For her brave efforts , Sarbi was awarded the War Dog Operational Medal , the Canine Service Medal and RSPCA Purple Cross Award . The RSPCA Purple Cross recognises animals that have shown outstanding service to humans . Only eight have been awarded , including that to John Simpson 's donkey Murphy , posthumously recognised on behalf of all donkeys who carried wounded soldier on Gallipoli . Last month , a south-east Queensland dog park was named in her honour .
Sarbi , known as the wonder dog , has died after a short battle with cancer . At one stage she went missing in action in Australia for 14 months . Sarbi worked as an explosive detection dog for the Australian Army . She was retired and for the last five years has been living as a pet . For her bravery , Sarbi has received a number of awards .