Eda © Courtesy of Ned’s Wish
Did you know that most Canadian police agencies, including the Canadian Armed Forces, have no dedicated funding to support their canine officers after retirement?
Despite years spent protecting communities, retired police and military service dogs often leave active duty without a financial safety net. Public agencies must prioritize operational budgets, and while working dogs receive exceptional care during their service, support for their retirement is rarely included.
That’s where Ned’s Wish steps in. As Canada’s only national organization dedicated to supporting retired police and military service dogs, Ned’s Wish provides financial assistance for medical care and retirement needs, helping ensure these canine heroes enjoy the quality of life they’ve earned.
Since its inception, Ned’s Wish has registered more than 283 retired service dogs and provided over $700,000 in financial support for their care. Because the charity is 100 per cent volunteer-run, every donor dollar goes directly toward helping these four-legged heroes live out their retirement in comfort and dignity
HONOURING OUR CANINE HEROES
Police and military dogs typically have work-focused lives from puppyhood, with careers that span six to nine years. When they retire, often due to age or health issues, the toll of their service stays with them. Veterinary care can be expensive, which is why Ned’s Wish provides critical support for these dogs once they hang up their badges. Ned’s Wish has been honoured to support over 70 retired British Columbia police dogs, whose medical expenses currently exceed $170,000.
PSD EDA – A LOYAL PROTECTOR OF BC
One of the remarkable dogs supported by Ned’s Wish is Police Service Dog Eda, currently the program’s oldest retired K9. Eda spent her entire career protecting communities across the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland, locating suspects, missing persons, firearms, narcotics, and key evidence in numerous police investigations. During one of her final police files, Eda was assaulted repeatedly by a suspect, a reminder of the dangers these dogs face in the line of duty.
Now 14 years old, Eda is the oldest retired K9 in the Ned’s Wish program. Known for her sassy personality and boundless energy, she still enjoys chewing her favourite toys and spending time on the water—so much so that her family named their boat after her. Since joining the program in 2022, Ned’s Wish has supported over $5,000 in medical care, helping ensure Eda enjoys a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
PSD JAK – A HERO OF THE RCMP
Another retired K9 supported through the program is Police Service Dog Jak of the RCMP, whose medical expenses have exceeded $9,000. Born in Innisfail, Alberta, Jak was raised by his handler from just seven weeks old and completed his police training in 2018. He served first in Prince George, BC, and later in Kelowna, assisting officers in a wide range of high-risk situations.
In one case, Jak tracked two armed suspects linked to a stolen vehicle, one previously involved in a homicide. In another, he tracked an arson suspect through freezing conditions, ultimately helping save the individual’s life when the situation turned into a hypothermia rescue. Off duty, Jak is a family dog at heart, happiest swimming or chasing his favourite Kong.
SUPPORTING RETIRED K9 HEROES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
While medical care remains a core focus, Ned’s Wish also helps retired service dogs transition safely into civilian life. At Axel’s House, a planned decompression and rehoming sanctuary in Alberta named in memory of Calgary Police Service Dog Axel, Ned’s Wish provides short-term boarding, medical care, behavioural assessments, and adoption support, creating a safe, structured path from service to retirement.
To date, the organization has contributed over $80,000 toward rehoming supports, including safe housing, fencing, transportation, food, enrichment, and training, ensuring retired K9s receive the care and stability they need.
In British Columbia, Ned’s Wish has partnered with Canine Heroes Kennel in Coldstream to provide specialized transition support. Led by retired RCMP officer Chris Brinnen, a 25-year veteran and experienced K9 handler, the facility offers expert care for dogs adjusting to life after service.
On the East Coast, Hoss’ House in Prince Edward Island is already supporting dogs in transition, continuing the legacy of another retired police dog whose story inspired its creation. Together, these efforts reflect a growing national network built to meet the increasing demand as more K9 units are deployed and more dogs retire each year.
As the demand for police K9 units continues to grow across Canada, more dogs are entering service and eventually retirement. By contributing to Ned’s Wish, you’re helping ensure that retired police and military dogs get the care they need to enjoy the retirement they deserve.
They save our lives—now it’s time to return the favour.
Learn more and donate at nedswish.com
Get your free copy of Global Heroes, jam-packed with positive news, straight in your inbox.
Ned’s Wish™ is a charity organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for retired police and military service dogs by providing financial support for their medical well-being.