PSD Hoss
RCMP Police Service Dog
Regimental #1043
2015 – 2025
Years of Service: 2017 – 2022
Postings: Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and Alberta
Ned’s Wish was very sad to learn of the recent passing of PSD Hoss; a K-9 hero who we came to know in a very special way, and who we held closely in our hearts.
Hoss was born on 14 September, 2015, in Innisfail at the RCMP kennels. Upon finishing training, Hoss worked in Saskatchewan for 10 months. He then moved to Yellowknife, NWT, for three years. He spent his last year before retirement posted to Red Deer, AB. In addition to these posts, he was also deployed to northern Manitoba and Ottawa for major events.
Hoss has had many successes in his career. He once tracked, located, and apprehended three suspects from an armed robbery in the middle of the day. He found three lost people and dogs, a year to the day apart, who became lost and disoriented while hiking on the Canadian Shield. On two occasions, he tracked and located at risk individuals who were nearing hypothermia and required medical attention after being located.
When he wasn’t working, Hoss enjoyed hiking and camping with his family, swimming and being a dog with his Labradoodle brothers Harley and Norton. He also enjoyed spending Christmas morning inside with his family, although his pal Harley didn’t really enjoy sharing his bed. In the various places he has lived, Hoss was known for his distinct howl anytime he heard a siren or train whistle.
After Hoss retired, he was rehomed with our very own Fundraising Director RCMP Officer Cst. Melissa Smits, who brought Hoss to all our events and outings spreading awareness and where he helped raise thousands of dollars for Ned’s Wish. Hoss was a very special part of our Ned’s Wish Family and we share the pain of his loss as we express our heartfelt sympathies to his former handler, Cpl. Terence Dunphy, RCMP, and our colleague and partner, Melissa Smits.
Tribute to Hoss by his former handler,
RCMP Cpl. Terence Dunphy
‘Hoss’ –
A southern colloquial nickname for partner, a term of friendship.
Southern slang meaning buddy, but in a much more positive way.
Someone dependable and/or big and/or strong.
Police Service Dog Hoss was the living embodiment of these definitions, with a keen nose, imposing size and a heart packed with fortitude and affection. Hoss somehow managed to both intimidate those who deserved it, yet ease those who wished to greet him.
Hoss had a knack for doing much of the heavy lifting in the partnership, and on many occasions facilitated the impression that his human partner had the situation handled! While his tenacity and curious nature were strong traits for a working dog, it also landed him in a precarious situation on a few occasions. Perhaps his most infamous endeavour being the day in which he chased a fox from one of his regular rest stops, and did so with such focus and determination that he didn’t stop until he found himself trapped, and unable to move from the steep entrance to abandoned gold mine. It was on this day that Hoss set the record (unofficially) for the longest down stay in RCMP history. Having little choice in the matter, Hoss waited patiently while family members and other police officers arrived to rescue him from his risky situation with a great deal of teamwork, and a small amount of rappelling gear!
Hoss holds a special place in our hearts. Whether through his characteristic greeting of choice . . . a hip check, a timely belch following most meals, or his unmistakeable howl anytime an emergency vehicle’s siren could be heard in the distance, Hoss was instrumental in creating unique memories and cherished moments with the Dunphy family. While he will be greatly missed, we hold solace knowing that Hoss is once again playing (unsupervised) with his bro Harls and we shall tug on our invisible leash when our hearts ache. Rest in peace, Hossypants.
Tribute to Hoss by his Retirement Family;
RCMP Cst. Melissa Smits, Ned’s Wish Fundraising Director
When I was asked if I could take on a new retired dog I wasn’t sure I was ready. I was still fresh off the loss of my first retired adoptee and trying to navigate living in a home without a german shepherd in it for the first time in my life. Ultimately, I decided to take a chance and meet him. And I am so, so thankful that I did.
Hoss was a giant black tornado of sass and drive, and so completely different from my first guy that I wasn’t sure what I’d gotten myself into. He had never lived inside the house before coming to me and thought his job was to root out ninjas and search EVERYTHING. When he didn’t find his usual brand of trouble he quickly switched gears to gather every stuffie in the house to assemble a giant castle of toys from which to survey his new empire. When he wasn’t doing that he took great pleasure stealing anything that wasn’t nailed down and playing keep away for as long as it took you to catch him. He taught himself to open the front door from outside if you dared go back into the house without him and made life for the cats seem like a mad max film.
Then a peculiar thing began to happen… Hoss decided his new job was to enjoy all the new creature comforts available to him. It was like a switch turned… suddenly he wasn’t trying to chase the cats into a new dimension, and he realized that sleeping on the big bed with Mom was kind of the best. There was camping and hiking and snuggling with his brother Finn and even the cats. There were presents to open (and sometimes a few delivery packages that weren’t picked up fast enough), counters to surf and so, so many stuffies to find and squeak and love. Hoss lived his life to the fullest every day and made everyone who knew him fall in love with him immediately. Whether at a Ned’s Wish event or just running errands with mom, he always gained a fan club wherever he went.
He was my solo trip across Canada co-pilot and such a great travel buddy. His loss was sudden and very unexpected, but his last day was a good one and there was no long and drawn out illness or discomfort for him.
Huge thanks to the Dunphy family who entrusted me with such a special dog, and always sent birthday care packages the big guy loved to find and tear open.
Hosso, you were simply the best, we all love and miss you. Brando will take good care of you, tell him I sent you.
See also: Meet Hoss, the RCMP K-9 Officer for all seasons and all reasons
My True North Now – October 4, 2019
See also: Police dog and handler visit Hay River students
NNSL / Hay River Hub – October 16, 2020