Kuno, a British Special Forces dog who served in Afghanistan was the hero of Kuno and was awarded the highest honor for an animal.
Kuno, a Belgian Malinois, had suffered life-threatening injuries while fighting Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. The Dickin Medal was the highest reward a dog can receive in the British special forces. It is just as important as the Victoria Cross award, which is the highest reward recognition in the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom.
Kuno was a soldier who helped to end a deadlock during a compound raid in Afghanistan. He received a special award from People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. Kuno demonstrated that dogs are worthy of respect.
Jan McLoughlin, a veterinarian from People’s Dispensary of Sick Animals said Kuno was a true hero. His actions were a major change in the course of the mission and saved many lives. Kuno performed his duties without hesitation, despite life-threatening injuries.
British troops attacked Al-Qaeda with the help of this brave dog. Kuno broke the deadlock while soldiers fought off machine gun fire and grenades during the mission. Kuno had previously disarmed an insurgent and found hidden explosives during the compound attack. Kuno ran through the machine gun fire immediately and attacked the gunman. Kuno was honored as the latest recipient from Dickin Medial for bravery and devotion.
Kuno was shot twice by Al-Qaeda. Kuno, despite being injured, threw himself at the gunman and bit his arm before throwing him to the ground. Kuno was badly injured by the bullets to his back legs.
However, Kuno could be saved by the medical staff. Kuno had a few operations before he returned to the United Kingdom. To prevent a potentially fatal infection, Kuno had one of his roarpaws imputed.
Kuno was fully recovered and became the first British military dog to be fitted with a prosthetic paw.
Professor Dick White, an animal surgeon specialist, took care Kuno’s recovery and said that Kuno showed incredible determination to live and walk again.
Ben Wallace, British defense secretary, stated that he was proud of the contribution of his military dogs to missions both at home and abroad. Kuno’s story brought home the importance of these animals protecting their lives. They were also reminded by Kuno’s story of the dedication of their soldiers, military dogs, and the care the UK Military Forces give to the animals who serve with them.
Maria Dickin CBE, an early charity founder, introduced the Dickin Medal in 1943. It is the highest honor an animal can receive for their service in wartime conflicts. Kuno was the 72nd recipient. Previous recipients included one cat, four horses and 32 World II messengerpigeons. Mali, a Belgian Malinois who was hurt by a grenade in Afghanistan 2012 and Conan, an American military dog who was injured in a raid, were among them.