Dogs are without a doubt man’s best friend. They are compassionate and loyal to their owners, yet they are also intelligent creatures. They can learn a trick or two, but they are also trained by the police and military because of their heightened senses and capability to learn fast.
We often see heroic dogs on the news, but one dog did such a fearless act that he will be given the highest animal honor.
Meet Kuno, a Belgian Malinois military dog who was recently recognized for his courage by saving the lives of British soldiers while fighting al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Kuno and his handler were deployed to aid elite Special Boat Service (SBS) forces during a night raid last year where they were ambushed.
The elite forces were pinned down by grenades and machine-gun fire from the enemy, rendering them unable to move.
Without hesitation, Kuno ran towards one of the gunmen, ignoring a hail of bullets as he tackles the enemy. His heroic act managed to break the deadlock; thus allowing the soldiers to successfully change the course of the mission.
However, during the assault, Kuno got shot in both his hind legs and was immediately treated by his handler and medics as they made their way to safety. The dog suffered multiple injuries, including a bullet narrowly missing the main artery.
As soon as they were able to fly Kuno back to the UK, the vets made the difficult decision of amputating both his hind legs to prevent a life-threatening infection from aggravating his injury. Kuno underwent reconstructive surgery and therapy in order to restore function to some of his nerves and muscles.
Within months, he was fitted with custom-made prosthetics and became the first UK military dog to be given with such devices.
Now, 4-year-old Kuno has retired from the force. His valorous act has been recognized by the PDSA veterinary charity as they award him the Dickin Medal, which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross or the UK’s version of the Medal of Honor.
He will be the 72nd recipient of the medal, which was first awarded in 1943 by the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE. Some of the past awardees were 34 dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, four horses, and one cat.
PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said Kuno’s “bravery and devotion to duty” made him a “thoroughly deserving” recipient of the Dickin Medal.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallance also recognized Kuno’s courageousness, saying that he is deserving of the award.
“Without Kuno, the course of this operation could have been very different, and it’s clear he saved the lives of British personnel that day. Kuno’s story reminds us not only of the dedicated service of our soldiers and military dogs, but also the great care that the UK Armed Forces provide to the animals that serve alongside them.”
Watch the video below and be inspired by Kuno’s heroic act.
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