One of the British Army’s best former fighting champions is called Kuno, a retired military dog who is now being awarded the highest award in the shape of the PDSA Dickin Medal. Kuno has saved the lives of many soldiers with his bravery and valour.

Just last year, the four-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois was detecting bombs and weapons. He was helping spot the enemy before it could do any severe damage, clearing the routes ahead of him so that his fellow soldiers could follow.

In just five months, this super dog completed 16 operations, most of them dangerous. Despite losing the use of his hind legs, you can see that he is one tough cookie, and his spirit cannot be dampened.

During one of these missions, Kuno and his handler came under fire from Al Qaeda. No one was hurt, but it was a narrow escape. Kuno continued to clear the way for his team and was released to bring down a terrorist in the process. That is not all, he also managed to alert his team to weapons and explosives that were in the area.

 As the mission progressed, the team moved towards another set of buildings where they came under a more intense attack. Despite grenades going off and machine guns firing at the squad, there was no stopping Kuno.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence notes, “Pinned down by enemy fire and explosives and unable to move without taking casualties, Kuno’s handler released their four-legged soldier. Without hesitation, Kuno charged through the doorway ahead towards the enemy insurgent. In fear of Kuno’s speed and aggression, the insurgent wildly fired into the darkness at the shape bounding towards him. Unfortunately, several rounds hit Kuno, but this didn’t stop him taking the insurgent out. With bullet wounds in both hind legs he was barely breaking stride, Kuno lept at his target biting his arm and wrestling him to the ground.”

Kuno’s courage turned the course of the fight for his team. They were able to push back and take over the field. Despite getting shot, Kuno did not back off from the fight! The injuries were scary, a bullet had almost pierced through a main artery. But he is a trooper, and no terrorist was going to bring him down. Several lifesaving procedures later, he returned to the UK where he retired and was rehomed.

He is the first UK military dog to be fitted with customised prosthetic limbs. With this award, he will become the 72^nd animal to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal.

Kuno is just an example of the challenging work and bravery of the Military Working Dogs. We hope that everyone continues to support all soldiers as they fight for this country, including our four-legged friends.