British hero dog saved by U.S. doctors is awarded medal for valor

A British hero dog who captured the hearts of an American military veterinary medicine team has been awarded the U.K.'s version of the Victoria Cross for animals. 

Kuno, a Belgian Shepherd Malinois, last week received the prestigious Dickin Medal "for tireless bravery and devotion to duty" while in Afghanistan with British forces, according to the award sponsor, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).

The courageous Kuno, then three-years-old, was in horrific shape in May 2019 when he first encountered the American military team that helped save his life.

"He had some pretty significant injuries" from gunshot wounds, said Maj. Jake Lowry, a veterinary surgeon who treated Kuno in Afghanistan soon after the dog was hurt. Lowry and his team had no choice, he said in a PDSA video, but to amputate one badly shattered paw.

Kuno's ordeal began while on a mission to an undisclosed location with his British military unit, according to the PDSA. With 16 missions under his collar, he was a seasoned war dog whose job included finding weapons and explosives.

Kuno that day already had evaded machine gun fire, tackled an enemy fighter, and uncovered weapons and explosives when his team inside a compound was pinned down by enemy gunfire and grenades.

Kuno raced forward to attack the insurgent who was trapping the British team. The insurgent shot Kuno, striking both of the dog's hind legs. Despite being wounded, Kuno pressed on.

"Undeterred, and barely breaking stride, Kuno launched himself at the insurgent, biting his arm and wrestling him to the ground," the PDSA said in an email to Just the News. "The insurgent was quickly incapacitated, but despite his wounds, Kuno continued to attack to maintain the advantage."

Kuno relented only after the British team's human members swept in to secure the compound, the PDSA said.

Kuno's handler, whose identity was concealed in the video for PDSA, saw that the dog "was clearly in a bad way," and carried him to safety. The handler and a medic immediately gave first aid to the desperately wounded canine. 

Kuno was evacuated via helicopter, and was whisked to the American military veterinary clinic. 

The American team gathered to receive Kuno, said the U.S. Army's SFC Ricardo Ramirez, who said his phone was "blowing up" with phone calls and text messages about the heroic dog.

His injuries were severe. One bullet narrowly missed a main artery. After doctors amputated the paw, Kuno needed several lifesaving operations before he could return home for additional treatment. 

While in Afghanistan, Kuno became the darling of his American caregivers.

"We were getting volunteers from everywhere just because they had heard what he did and how he sacrificed his life potentially to protect his team," said U.S. Army Lt. Col Leah Smith, who commanded the 149th Medical Detachment, Veterinary Services unit that treated Kuno.

"He became family almost," said Staff Sergeant Marisela Ruedas, who stayed with Kuno during parts of his recovery. "We wanted to know everything that was happening with Kuno, from what medication he got to how much and how he felt and if he ate. It was very special. We had a special bond with all of us and with Kuno."

When Kuno returned to the U.K., another leg was amputated. He was fitted with prosthetics, and now uses them naturally, the PDSA reports.

"His loyalty, upbeat character and courage were ever-present through a prolonged period of rehabilitation and, despite his injuries, he has recovered well and is in good spirits and health," the British group said in the email to Just the News.

Kuno, now retired from military service, received his heroism medal in stride, the organization said.

He brought praise from the U.K's top civilian defense official.

"I’m delighted that Kuno will receive the PDSA Dickin Medal," Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement. "It is testament to his training, tireless bravery and devotion to duty which undoubtedly saved lives that day."

Launched in 1943 by founder Maria Dickin, the medal is the highest award the United Kingdom bestows on animals for their roles in military actions. Kuno is the 72nd animal to receive the award. Others include 35 dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, four horses, and one cat.