Ned’s Wish was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of retired MWD Bruno of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Bruno passed peacefully at home with his ‘forever’ family around him. They spent the night with him on his favourite place; the couch.
Bruno was a nine-year-old Belgian Malinois who came to Canada by way of Europe and served in the CAF from 2017 to 2020. Tipping the scales at 95lbs, Bruno was as large in size as he was in character. He took on every task asked of him with eagerness and a zest for work. Unfortunately, his size made it difficult for him to perform some of the tasks required. He also had some mental hurdles that he was unable to overcome. As such, Bruno retired from the CAF early.
While working dogs may give off the impression of being tough with no-nonsense personalities, Bruno loved nothing more than to play dress-up with his family. In his retirement, Bruno could be found napping with the family cat – who was the only one who could put up with Bruno’s non-stop playfulness. As a bit of a water dog, he loved disappearing on his new property to take a dip in the lake. Bruno’s affection for his people meant he tagged along to soccer and hockey, but the one thing Bruno loved more than anything was a jar of fresh peanut butter!
Bruno became a member of the Ned’s Wish family shortly after he retired. We were honoured to support him with various health issues in recent years to offer him the healthiest retirement possible.
Some reflections of Bruno’s former handler
and Bruno’s ‘forever family’
Bruno was his handler’s first K9 to train and Bruno’s one and only handler in work and retirement. They formed a special bond that can’t be replicated.
Although Bruno suffered an untimely and unjust medical condition causing him to have to leave us, he was happy, playful and loving until the end.
Bruno will leave a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. He touched every person he met. Run again free Bruno!