Ned’s Wish would like to give a big welcome howl to PSD Mako!
PSD Mako was born in Germany in 2019 and joined the Halifax Regional Police in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. At that time, sourcing potential police dogs was extremely difficult, so the department felt incredibly fortunate when Mako arrived to join the team.
Mako began his career at 11 months old and was paired with his first handler, Cst. Susan Conrad. The pair initially worked patrol in Halifax before transitioning into a specialized role as part of the Halifax Stanfield Airport Explosive Detection Dog team. Mako quickly became a well-loved member of the airport community and proudly served in that role until May 2025, when a sudden and unfortunate neurological diagnosis required him to medically retire. Thankfully, Mako found his forever home with Cst. Conrad and her family.
One of Mako’s memorable success stories occurred when he was deployed to track a suspect who had just committed an armed robbery. The team arrived quickly, and the victim was able to provide a confident direction of travel. Mako immediately gave his handler a strong track indication, and the team set off.
Shortly after beginning the track, however, the scent trail appeared to disappear. The team searched the immediate area with no success, then expanded the search, still nothing. Despite the lack of a clear track, Mako continued to signal to his handler that the suspect had not actually left the property.
When the handler returned to the location where the track was lost, they looked up and noticed a broken baluster on an apartment balcony. That apartment was identified, and when officers made entry, the suspect was found hiding inside. It may not have been a typical tracking outcome, but it ended with “one in custody” thanks to Mako’s ability to communicate what his nose was telling him.
In retirement, Mako spends his days with his best buddy “Gingy,” a large stuffed gingerbread man that he proudly carries around the house and snuggles with at bedtime. He also enjoys visiting his old workplace, where he stops by to see the officers still on duty.
During these visits, Mako has taken it upon himself to “detect” the members’ lunches, particularly apples and freshly peeled oranges. The officers may call it stealing, but Mako prefers to think of it as “skillfully acquiring”.
Although Mako lives with an unidentified neurological disease believed to be a form of degenerative myelopathy, he continues to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life with his family. While he experiences tremors in his hind legs and some loss of coordination, he is not in pain and requires no medications. Most importantly, these challenges haven’t slowed down his joyful spirit. Mako continues to live each day to the fullest.
Ned’s Wish warmly welcomes you, PSD Mako. Thank you for your service, and we wish you many happy and love-filled retirement years with your family.