The 10-year-old black Labrador, trained to detect explosives, was declared missing in action after a battle in Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan almost 14 months ago.

Sabi became separated from her patrol when it was ambushed by the Taliban. Nine Australian soldiers including her handler were wounded and SAS Trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery during the firefight on September 2 last year.

Sabi was on her second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Against incredible odds, she was recently found alive and well at an isolated patrol base in north-eastern Oruzgan by an American soldier.

''John'' was aware that Australian Special Forces were missing one of their dogs when he came across Sabi and a man. ''I took the dog and gave it some commands it understood,'' John said.

Sabi was flown to Tarin Kowt and reunited with one of her trainers.

''I nudged a tennis ball to her with my foot and she took it straight away,'' the trainer said.

''It's a game we used to play over and over during her training. It's amazing, just incredible, to have her back.'' She was given a bath before tucking in to her favourite meal, including chicken drumsticks.

Defence spokesman Brigadier Brian Dawson said Sabi received a check-up from the veterinarian and was ruled in good health.

Sabi's story of survival came as no surprise to Katherine MacDonald, who has four Labradors and runs Labrador Rescue, which matches abandoned Labradors with new families in the ACT region.

''Labs will thrive anywhere. All they need is food, water and human companionship and they're as happy as pigs in mud,'' she said.

Sabi is set for retirement and her handler wants to look after her when she returns to this country, but it all hinges on the ruling of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

She already has one high-powered fan Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who met Sabi when he visited troops in Afghanistan to coincide with Remembrance Day.

Trooper Donaldson is in Britain after meeting the Queen.

''Having Sabi back gives some closure for the handler and the rest of us that served with her in 2008. It's a fantastic morale booster for the guys,'' he said.