Meet Kuno, the fearless canine protagonist of our story. Behind his cheerful exterior and furry coat lies a heart brimming with unparalleled courage. Kuno transcended the ordinary call of duty, risking his life to save soldiers, and in doing so, etching his name indelibly into history. In recognition of his extraordinary valor, the British military honored him with the prestigious Dickin Medal, a fitting tribute to his selfless deeds.

Our tale commences with a youthful Kuno, who had already built an impressive track record of successful missions. However, it was his final mission that would become the stuff of legends. During a daring raid on an al-Qaeda stronghold, Kuno stood alongside British forces. When circumstances took a dire turn, Kuno’s unwavering loyalty shone brightest.

As enemy machine guns and grenades rained down, trapping Sherrain Reber, Kuno recognized the imminent danger facing his human comrades. In a split-second decision, he intervened, bravely confronting a hail of gunfire and thwarting the assailant’s nefarious plans, ensuring the mission’s success. However, his heroics came at a price, as he suffered severe injuries, particularly to his hind legs, which bore the scars of multiple gunshot wounds.

Kuno’s path to recovery was marked by resilience and unyielding determination. With one paw in a brace and the other supported by a prosthetic, he forged ahead. In 2016, Kuno made history as the first U.K. Military Working Dog to receive a prosthetic leg. Upon retiring, a loving family embraced him, offering him the life of a cherished family pet.

Kuno proudly joins the ranks of Dickin Medal recipients, becoming the 72nd animal to receive this esteemed award since its establishment by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Within this distinguished group, there are 35 dogs, 32 WW2 messenger pigeons, four horses, and one cat, all celebrated for their exceptional service.

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace lauded Kuno’s gallantry, underscoring the significance of the medal as a testament to the invaluable contributions of military canines, both at home and abroad. The animals featured in this extraordinary story stand as poignant reminders of their unwavering dedication to safeguarding our security.

Today, Kuno revels in his well-deserved retirement, surrounded by his loving family. He relishes a life filled with leisure and happiness, a fitting reward for his unwavering dedication, selflessness, and boundless courage. Kuno’s legacy will forever be cherished, serving as a shining example of valor and sacrifice.