A vivid symbol of the relationship between Unit's Oket'z warriors and their dogs is the unit's canine graveyard, formed in order to honor the memory of the dogs, who fell in the line of duty.

Up until 1997 the unit had one graveyard found in the unit home base in the Sirkin former AFB. However, In February 2, 1997 two IAF CH53 helicopters on their way to IDF posts in South Lebanon collided near the Israeli-Lebanese border, resulting in the death of all 73 soldiers and the aircrews aboard both helicopters. Among the passengers were two Explosives Palga handlers and their dogs. After the disasters a new graveyard was built in Beit Hillel, and since then all the dead dogs from the Explosive Palga, the Egoz Team and the Chasing team are buried there.

Since the two graveyards used were almost a personnel venture of the handlers they were somewhat neglected and not properly maintained. However, in 2002, the unit received a large donation from an American donor to build a brand new cemetery in Kfar Sirkin old AFB. All dogs remains from two graveyards were moved to new cemetery which has 80 identical sizes graveyards, with currently about 30 dogs buried in them. There is also a big stone monument of handler and his dog in formed to honor the dogs whose burial place is unknown.

right picture: Last Friday, "Yediot Aharonot", Israel's largest daily published the picture on its front page,. The headline above says: "A combat dog killed in action". The photo made by Yariv Katz shows officers of the unit help to burry the beloved dog.

Main breed of the Unit Oketz :
Belgian Shepherd

Belgian Shepherd Dogs are traditionally herding dogs. They are intelligent, agile, active dogs that are very loyal and devoted to their master. They are attentive and sensitive, and learn quickly when positively motivated. Belgians are also quite versatile and can usually adapt to whatever the current activity might be.

Soldiers, officers and dogs of the Oketz unit pay last tribute to Arkus. Photo: Yariv Katz

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Rick, one of the Chasing Team dogs, receives a medal for exceptional combat performance in the Gaza strip, including tracking down many Palestinian terrorists. Rick was three years old at the time and received the medal from the Major General Y. Ron-Tal, commander of the IDF Land Corps.

This fantastic picture was published in "Maariv", Israel's other daily. The headline above the picture was: "Farewell to a good friend". Photo : Yehonathan Saul.