PSD Hans
Ontario Provincial Police Service Dog
#6926
2013 – 2025
Years of Service: 2015 – 2021 (circa)
It is with great sadness we announce the loss of PSD Hans; a tireless and reliable Police Service Dog who retired from the Ontario Provincial Police Canine Unit in 2021, and who passed on April 7, 2025.
We are all drawn to heroes with stories of overcoming epic struggles and emerging victorious despite all odds. PSD Hans, had one of those incredible stories that would inspire anyone to keep going, even when the road ahead looks grim.
Hans was born on March 15, 2013 in the Netherlands. He served with the Ontario Provincial Police covering the East Region of Ontario including Lanark County, Perth, Leeds and Grenville detachment areas. Early in his career, Hans was trained as a general duty service dog with explosive profile, but later, he was used as a general duty expert which included tracking, search and rescue, criminal apprehension, article searching, and officer protection. As an Explosive Detection Dog, Hans was tasked with searches of special event venues, the aircraft of high-profile dignitaries and even Royal families; their transport and accommodations, not their Royal Highnesses.
His career was going well, when one day out of nowhere Hans’s bowels twisted. Also known as mesenteric axis bowel torsion, this is an acute, very painful and often fatal condition. To ease his suffering, it was recommended that Hans be euthanized.
As his handler called his commanding officer with the news, the surgeon interrupted the call to say Hans was fighting back, and that his veterinarian team wanted to give him another chance at life. Hans spent the next 11 days in ICU, with his handler on the floor at his side for 12 hours a day. Hans lost a great deal of weight but was still fighting to live.
His handler, the O.P.P., and his medical team did not give up on him either. Thanks to his grit and the work and dedication of Dr. Charles Bruce, of Alta Vista Animal Hospital, Dr. Jason Donohoe, of Donohoe Mobile Vet Services and Dr. Kim McGrimmon of Perth Vet Clinic, against all odds Hans made a full recovery and was able to return to active duty until he and his handler retired in good standing on October 1, 2021.
Reflection on PSD Hans by his former handler, retired OPP Cst. David Watson
It is with deep sadness that we advise the Ned’s Wish family of the passing of another beloved four legged hero.
After twelve years of fulfilling life with significant health challenges throughout, and despite his zest for life and warrior spirit, this last battle was one that Hans and his support team just couldn’t win.
Hans fought through three near death scares in his life, including two while actively serving and one in retirement.
With the support of his medical team and Ned’s Wish he was able to continue living his best retired life.
On behalf of Hans and his family and friends, we want to send a heartfelt thank you to the Ned’s Wish family and sponsors, who through their tireless efforts, allow these four-legged heroes to enjoy comfort, peace and relaxation in retirement.
Rest In Peace Hans, with honor and dignity.
You brought so much to so many and will be missed greatly.
Rest in Peace, Hans.
Your duty is done, Boy. Enjoy running those fields across the Rainbow Bridge
.