A bomb-sniffing dog named Bass lost a leg after bravely detecting an explosive moments before it detonated, saving 36 U.S. soldiers from certain death—an act of extraordinary courage that has turned him into a national hero and sparked widespread admiration and calls for honoring military working dogs.

In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring moment that’s capturing hearts worldwide, a bomb-sniffing dog named Bass was gravely injured during an explosion in the Middle East but managed to save the lives of 36 U.S. soldiers.

The heroic incident occurred earlier this year when Bass, a Belgian Malinois working with the U.S. military’s elite special operations unit, detected an improvised explosive device moments before it detonated.

The explosion, while severely injuring Bass and ultimately resulting in the amputation of his back right leg, did not take any human lives—thanks entirely to his swift action.

Despite the grave risk, Bass alerted his handler and team just seconds before the bomb exploded. His bravery allowed the soldiers to seek cover and avoid what could have been a devastating loss of life.

According to officials familiar with the incident, if Bass had not intervened at that critical moment, nearly three dozen soldiers would have been caught in the blast.

Now, the four-year-old dog is being hailed as a “four-legged hero” by military officials, animal lovers, and people across the globe.

Bass, who previously completed more than 350 missions with the Special Operations Forces and had already served multiple tours in conflict zones, had built a reputation among his unit for his precision, discipline, and fierce loyalty.

“He always walked into danger before anyone else had to,” said one soldier who served with Bass in multiple missions. “This time, he paid the price for it. But he saved all of us.”

Following the explosion, Bass was airlifted from the field and received emergency veterinary care. Surgeons were able to stabilize him, but they had no choice but to amputate his injured leg.

In the months since, Bass has made a remarkable recovery and is now enjoying a well-earned retirement with his handler and best friend, Staff Sgt. Alex Weisher, at their home in Indiana.

Weisher, who had been with Bass since his early training days, described the emotional journey of witnessing his partner go from battlefield hero to wounded warrior.

“Watching him push through rehab with the same determination he showed on missions… it’s changed my whole perspective on what courage really looks like,” Weisher said.

He also noted that Bass has adapted quickly to life with three legs and still enjoys running, playing, and being around people—especially kids, whom he’s particularly gentle with.

Bass’s story recently gained national attention when he was nominated for the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, an annual ceremony that honors extraordinary dogs across the country.

The nomination has stirred a wave of support online, with thousands rallying behind the campaign to see him recognized as the Hero Dog of the Year.

His story has also sparked conversations about the silent sacrifices made by working animals in military service and the importance of long-term care for K9 veterans.

The U.S. military has increasingly acknowledged the vital role that service dogs play in modern warfare. These dogs are trained in bomb detection, search and rescue, and patrol duties.

Like Bass, many of them operate under extreme pressure and form deep, unbreakable bonds with their handlers. Yet their injuries and trauma often go unseen by the public.

Organizations dedicated to military working dog advocacy are now using Bass’s story to push for more support, both financial and medical, for retired service animals.

As Bass continues his recovery, his story stands as a powerful reminder of the loyalty and bravery that animals are capable of—often beyond what humans expect or deserve.

To the 36 soldiers whose lives he saved, Bass is more than a dog—he’s a guardian, a partner, and a living legend.

His legacy will likely inspire not only fellow soldiers and dog lovers but also future generations who will come to know his name as one of the most selfless acts of wartime bravery in recent memory.