A Big Thank You from Kye and His Family

A Big Thank You from Kye and His Family

A Howling Thank you to everyone who contributed to Kye’s fundraiser. With your generous donations, well wishes and prayers for Kye, he not only received a life saving surgery, but he is continuing to get better.  While his journey to recovery is far from over, he has had a very good start all because of you!  

Kye’s handler is extremely thankful and is overwhelmed by your generosity. No words can describe her gratitude for giving Kye another chance at a well earned retirement.  

Thank you to Ned’s Wish Family for making a huge difference in the life of this deserving hero!  

Tribute for Grinder

Tribute for Grinder

We are very saddened to announce that our retired PSD Grinder passed over the rainbow bridge on August 20, 2023, while being held by his best friend, Nathan. Through tough times and through good times together till the end. Ned’s Wish Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Welsman said that it was her privilege to be able to help Nathan and Grinder during this emotional parting. Thank you for your service Grinder, you will always remain our Hero.

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Tribute for Arctic

Tribute for Arctic

Everyone has an Origin story.  While Ned’s Wish was founded in memory of PSD Ned, our first registered Hero was PSD Arctic, Reg  # 822.  At that moment he became a part of our Origin story.   Arctic was born on March 21, 2008, at the RCMP’s Police Dog Services Training Centre in Innisfail, Alberta.  It is with deep sorrow we have to say goodbye to Arctic as he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and joined Ned to help him keep watch over us.

Arcic showed enormous potential from a very young age. He has been trained by, and worked with some of the best RCMP dog handlers to date, who are grieving his loss still.  

Arctic had a very successful career with the RCMP. During one of his first operational calls, Arctic’s nose led his handler to the discovery of over one kilogram of cocaine hidden in a secret compartment inside a vehicle.  However, Arctic’s superpower was bringing closure to grieving families by finding the remains of their loved ones.  Although not glamorous, his work was extraordinarily important, because Arctic helped the victims’ families make peace and move forward. 

Arctic was not all business all the time, he had a fun side that made his handler laugh out loud during training and operations alike.  Arctic retained his drive and traits that made him a great police dog throughout his retirement and into his golden age.  He kept a close watch of his home and family to the last breath.  

Rest in peace Arctic, and know that you are loved and will not be forgotten.  Thank you for your faithful service. You will always be our Number 1 Hero.

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Honoring Bob and Shirley Spreadbury and their grand-dog, Atar

Honoring Bob and Shirley Spreadbury and their grand-dog, Atar

NED’S WISH is Honored to celebrate the lives of Bob and Shirley Spreadbury with this memoir and tribute written by their son Brian.

The RCMP’s Police Dog Service Training Centre was established just southeast of Innisfail, Alberta in 1965, at about the same time that the Spreadbury family purchased a dilapidated cottage at Sylvan Lake that they lovingly restored and turned into the family cabin. The Spreadbury clans’ first exposure to working dogs came at the Red Deer Fair back in the days when the fairgrounds were downtown near the Red Deer River, long before the fairgrounds were moved to the site of the present-day Westerner Park. There the family would regularly meet and chat with new handlers and their dogs who were training and growing accustomed to working together in large crowds. Driving from Calgary to “the Lake” over the decades always resulted in all eyes looking east to see if any dogs could be seen running the obstacle course at the Innisfail training facility.

Bob and Shirley Spreadbury’s two boys both eventually ended up doing resource conservation-related law enforcement, Ken as an Alberta park ranger and conservation officer, and Brian as a Depot-trained national park warden and resource management officer. Training and working alongside numerous general duty police dogs from both the national parks and the RCMP in mountain environments became a regular part of their day-to-day duties. Acting as quarry, setting tracks, hiding articles, setting up what at times were elaborate training scenarios for multiple dog teams, and working alongside the dogs and their handlers during search and rescue incidents, including numerous avalanche recoveries, was a regular occurrence.

Brian and his wife Patti adopted a retired German Shepherd named Atar following the dog’s career in the mountain parks. Brian had worked closely with the dog, even acting as a “pseudo-handler” at one point, and the dog’s K9 handler knew Atar was going to a good home. Originally brought over as a pup from the Eastern Bloc, Atar was trained at the kennels in Innisfail and started his career in northern Saskatchewan. His original police handler was not a good fit with Atar so the dog went back to kennels to be partnered with another handler. The RCMP’s loss was definitely the mountain parks’ gain, and Atar (which translates to “invisible fire”) had a stellar career in the mountain parks from 2006 through 2011.

Atar retired in March 2011 and spent the rest of his days with Brian and Patti. Atar took about 6 months to figure out he was retired, but once he did he took to retirement with gusto. Brian’s parents took care of Atar when Brian and Patti were traveling, and to say that Bob and Shirley were proud of their “grandpuppy” was an understatement.

Retired working dogs can require significant veterinarian care as they age, and Atar was no exception. Atar was well taken care of and no expense was spared to give him the quality of life he deserved during his retirement, right to the very end.

On behalf of the late Bob and Shirley Spreadbury, and in memory of Atar and the numerous other K9s their sons worked with, a significant donation has been made to Ned’s Wish to ensure that those retired working dogs who have put it all “on the line” during their careers continue to receive the medical attention they need during their much-deserved retirements.

Tribute to Charger

Tribute to Charger

Charger arrived into our family in July 2011… he was a presence that few could ever measure up to! Dedicated working partner, happy family pet, boisterous playful a real gem….I recall shortly after Andrew brought him to our home watching Charger bounding across the solar blanket… what a lot of splashing and thrashing he made making his way across but as determined as he was he did not quite make it… and ended up splashing and flailing til Andrew grabbed his collar and rescued him..but then he learned to swim and loved the water! Charger was the perfect partner for Andrew and always was ready to go … personally I worried less when I knew Charger was riding shotgun with Andrew!
There are many memories stories and antics our family share and will always remember of Charger and to say he will be missed is truly an understatement, I think he was truly exceptional police service dog and family pet and as they say once the mould is broken there will never be another… RIP Charger, you were the best boy! The rainbow bridge has claimed another of our angels….🌈🐾

Below posted from media release by Guelph Police Service :
Canine member Charger passes away
We are saddened to announce retired Police Service Dog Charger has passed away.

Charger, a 12-year-old German shepherd, passed away Monday at home. He served the community from 2011 until his retirement in September 2020. Charger and his partner, Sergeant Andrew Crowe, handled more than 1,100 canine calls for service during their time together.

Charger was a General Service Dog, which means he was certified in tracking, building searches, area searches, article searches, agility, obedience, as well as apprehension. Further to that Charger was certified in the detection of eight different narcotics, firearms, and Canadian and American currency.

During his career, Charger located dozens of suspects and missing persons. He and Sergeant Crowe regularly participated in canine competitions across North America, winning many and generally finishing in the Top 10.

We would like to thank PSD Charger for his dedicated and loyal service to the community. He will be missed and remembered by the many whose lives he enriched.

Charger at work and at home. member Charger passes away
We are saddened to announce retired Police Service Dog Charger has passed away.

Charger, a 12-year-old German shepherd, passed away Monday at home. He served the community from 2011 until his retirement in September 2020. Charger and his partner, Sergeant Andrew Crowe, handled more than 1,100 canine calls for service during their time together.

Charger was a General Service Dog, which means he was certified in tracking, building searches, area searches, article searches, agility, obedience, as well as apprehension. Further to that Charger was certified in the detection of eight different narcotics, firearms, and Canadian and American currency.

During his career, Charger located dozens of suspects and missing persons. He and Sergeant Crowe regularly participated in canine competitions across North America, winning many and generally finishing in the Top 10.

We would like to thank PSD Charger for his dedicated and loyal service to the community. He will be missed and remembered by the many whose lives he enriched.

News release

https://www.guelphpolice.ca/en/media-release-july-25-2023.aspx

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Tribute to Corbin

Tribute to Corbin

We have sad news to relay to the Ned’s Wish Family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of another Hero, PSD Corbin, Reg # 903.

Corbin was born in Innisfail, Alberta on August 5th, 2010 and would have been 13 years old this August. He began his career with the RCMP in Selkirk, Manitoba, but he was later transferred to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Corbin had an exciting  career and he was often assigned very high profile cases! He even got to work at the G7 in Quebec, going beyond his typical assignment and instead, ensuring national security. 

When Corbin retired in 2019, he moved to live with a family in a small lakeside community where his reputation of being a fierce police dog provided his new community with a sense of safety and peace.  Before Corbin’s arrival, they experienced some petty theft and small town crime on a regular basis, but once the word got out that there was a “Police” dog in the community, all that activity stopped! Even in his retirement, Corbin continued to serve his new community.  

His human family said that from the very start, Corbin was a rock star! He was very intelligent, he understood commands in both English and Cree.  His sophisticated nose led him to discover a new hobby:  to sniff out edible mushrooms, and Saskatoon berries for dessert, which he would top with some unsalted peanuts in the shell.  The pinnacle of his culinary adventures was the discovery of McNuggets from McDonalds. Corbin could spot the Golden Arches blocks away!!  And for any special occasion, like a birthday, Corbin loved to indulge with an icecream cake.  

In his free time, Corbin loved riding in the golf cart and searching for golf balls.  His family is heartbroken and his community is sad to lose their beloved protector.  Rest in peace brave soul, you will forever remain Ned’s Wish Hero.

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Tribute to Hemmi

Tribute to Hemmi

It is with heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Ned’s Wish Hero PSD Hemmi, who peacefully passed away on June 4th surrounded by his handler D/Cst Corby Wright and his family.

Hemmi turned 15 on February 2, 2023; he was born in Slovakia and trained as a General purpose police dog with explosives and weapons detection profile. He began his law enforcement service in Canada in 2009, when he worked with the Durham Regional Police.

Hemmi was not only an excellent explosive and gun detection dog, but he was also the fastest K9 in his unit.  During one of the training tests, Hemmi’s recorded speed was 51 km/h and rising.  Hemmi also set a record for the longest track, when he followed a suspect for over 8 kilometers.  Hemmi was nicknamed a “Hoover” because when he was tracking, his nose was so close to the ground you could hear him inhaling!

While Hemmi and his handler conducted a great number of tracks and arrests during his 9-year career, one of the more memorable incidents stands out above them all.  Hemmi saved the life of an 80-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimers when she wandered off from her home  located on 200 acres in the middle of the night. Hemmi tracked and found her about 1.5 kilometers away from her home in a spot they would have never looked.  Such a proud day for the Hemmi / Wright team.

Hemmi’s service continued until 2018 before he eventually retired and enjoyed a simple life with his favourite Kong toy or two.  Thank you for your service Mr. Hoover.  While your watch is over, we miss you still.

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Tribute to Charlie

Tribute to Charlie

We are very sad to announce the passing of another Ned’s With Hero, PSD Charlie. His family sent the following:

It is with a heavy / broken heart that I inform you that Charlie passed over the weekend in his sleep. He was at home surrounded by family.

He was a good police dog, a great companion and a loving family pet and friend to the end. He will be deeply missed by my family and those that knew him as a strong police dog and my companion.

He was loyal and always there for me when I needed him. He will be missed by my son who called him “brother” those who knew him as “little Wolf” and other who feared him as “Charlie”

Charlie was born in Innisfail, AB to Aysha and Cargo on March 13, 2010. He was 13 years old when he passed. Charlie served in Thompson, MB and was the first PSD to be posted to Happy Valley Goose Bay, NFLD.

He retired at 9 years old and made the transition to retired life. He had spent the last few months with my parents who spoiled him rotten and made his last few months easy and enjoyable…as retirement should be. He loved hanging out with Nanny & Papa in the wood shop and outside in the garden.

He was loved and will be missed by all that knew him.

Sincerely

Cpl. Jason MUZZERALL

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Tribute to Hunter

Tribute to Hunter

We have some sad news as we tearfully say goodbye to PSD Hunter, Reg # 13106.  Hunter just turned 10 on March 3, 2023.

Hunter was a dual purpose patrol and explosives detection dog with the Vancouver Police Department.  He and his handler, Sgt. Ray Wong, faithfully served the city of Vancouver and Lower Mainland, keeping their residents safe.

One of Hunter’s career defining moments was when he located an armed drug dealer, who crashed into another vehicle and fled the scene on foot.  Hunter tracked and found the drug dealer hiding 30 feet high off the ground hidden in the branches of a tree.

Hunter will always be remembered as being on the lookout for new chew toys, with particular love for visitors’ shoes, hot off the heels of their owners.  Hunter used to sneak off with their shoes and chewed them all to pieces.

Rest in Peace Beautiful Hunter.

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Thank You from Brando and Family!!

Thank You from Brando and Family!!

THANK YOU everyone for helping PSD BRANDO – our HERO of the month!

WE DID IT!!!!  Because of YOUR Generosity, we raised enough money to pay for Brando’s surgery in its entirety and we have some GREAT news to share with you.

Brando is doing amazing and his surgery site is healing incredibly well. Brando’s veterinary doctor reported that his histology results did not reveal any cancerous cells in the ear canal itself, which means that the cancerous mass was likely removed in its entirety.  The GREAT news is that the tumour hasn’t infiltrated the ear canal and so Brando should not require any further treatment.

Brando’s Handler wanted us pass on a message: 

” This wouldn’t have been possible without your generous support.  Because of Ned’s Wish, Brando will be with our family for many years to come.  Once again thank you from my whole family for the gift you gave us!

Zach and Brando”