Unleashing Hope and Care: Fulfilling Ned's Wish for Canine Heroes

Unleashing Hope and Care: Fulfilling Ned's Wish for Canine Heroes

For human police officers, retirement often comes with a safety net, a comfortable pension fund to ensure well-deserved golden years. But Police and military service dogs do not have this luxury. When these hardworking canines retire from their duty, they step into an uncertain future devoid of the financial support they rightfully deserve.

Police and military service dogs are special for more than a few reasons. These remarkable animals are bred and raised for their work, leading lives dictated and driven by their service in keeping our communities safe. As these dogs are typically raised and trained in work settings for their first year of life and are retired before they become unable to perform, a dog's working career spans approximately six to nine years.

The physical demands of canine police work, coupled with the challenges of age, can affect the quality of life of retired police service dogs. Medical issues and associated costs can dictate how well, how long or even if police and military service dogs can enjoy retirement. Ned’s Wish provides financial support for the medical care of retired police and military service dogs, bridging the gap between retirement and well-deserved care for these four-legged heroes.

The only organization of its kind in Canada, Ned’s Wish exists because police services are required to focus public funds on current and next-generation police dogs. The all-volunteer organization steps in where public bodies cannot, working in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies across Canada to ensure K-9 retirees receive the best care and quality of life.

Ned’s Wish provides support to retired police dogs and educates the public about these Heroes with Paws, like Police Service Dog (PSD) Duco. Having racked up over 150 criminal arrests and made invaluable contributions to public safety, Duco's career came to an untimely end due to an injury during a high-risk search warrant. Duco undoubtedly saved lives, and his journey reflects the mission of Ned’s Wish.

Just like their namesake Ned, every retired officer under the care of this organization has served as a frontline K9 officer, selflessly safeguarding the public. Their work includes apprehending criminals, detecting narcotics and explosives, and even rescuing lost children. It takes a special kind of dog to work tirelessly for our benefit, often in places simply too dangerous for a human officer to venture, and yet they ask for nothing more in return than praise and a chew toy.

It is through generous donations that Ned’s Wish has been able to provide life-changing support to our Retired Police and Military dogs. We could not do it without amazing donors like you. Each donation carries the promise of a comfortable and dignified retirement for these furry heroes who have done so much for us. They save our lives, now it’s time to return the favour.

You can learn more and donate at nedswish.com

PSD Arry, who served Chatham Kent Police Service in Ontario, required surgery for a cruciate ligament tear. His medical costs exceeded $4,000. Donations made it possible.

PSD Dag, who served Calgary Police Service, required emergency surgery for chest abscesses and critical care, requiring over $18,000 in medical treatment. Donations made it possible.

PSD Brando, who served Vancouver Police Department, had a cancerous tumour in his ear and required surgery to remove it. His medical expenses exceeded $6,000, but donations made it possible.

PSD Kye has served York Region for nine years. Recently retired, Kye was tragically hit by a car. His injuries will require extensive surgery to repair, with costs likely to reach over $15,000. Donations have made it possible.