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<\/p>\nFrom the moment they are weaned as puppies, police and military dogs start training for their life of service.<\/p>\n
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They learn to track missing children through dense bush, search aircraft for explosives, and run head first towards danger.<\/p>\n
Police dogs are far more than companions. They are highly trained working officers and their work is essential to keeping Canadians safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese dogs work regular shifts, but they\u2019re also on call,\u201d RCMP<\/a> Sgt. Mike Drenka explained. \u201cWe provide 24-hour service, seven days a week.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s physically demanding for both the dogs and the handlers.\u201d<\/p>\n Sgt. Drenka currently works with his dog Memphis \u2014 his second dog since he joined the RCMP canine unit in 2014.<\/p>\n His first dog Roy was retired in 2020. For the most part, Roy lived a healthy retirement until about his last six months, when he started having mobility issues.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cWe were very fortunate that Ned\u2019s Wish stepped in and provided him with a wheelchair, so he remained mobile and fit and healthy,\u201d Sgt. Drenka said.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tRetired Police Dog Roy in his wheelchair provided by Ned\u2019s Wish.\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tCourtesy: Sgt. Mike Drenka\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Years of jumping, climbing, searching and sprinting takes a toll on the service dogs\u2019 bodies.<\/p>\n Common injuries include joint degeneration in hips and elbows, spinal issues, and mobility problems \u2014 conditions similar to those faced by human first responders.<\/p>\n \u201cWe take really good care of these guys during their careers,\u201d Sgt. Drenka said.<\/p>\n While the police service does what it can with regular veterinary care, physio and \u201cdog yoga\u201d for active members \u2014 when the dog can no longer do the job, the veterinary care then falls on handlers or families who take them into their homes.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n With their working careers, pet insurance isn\u2019t often a viable option to help with costs.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tGet breaking National news<\/p>\n For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.<\/p>\n \u201cSadly, taxpayers dollars can only go so far,\u201d Stacey Talbot, the founder of Ned\u2019s Wish<\/a>, said.<\/p>\n \u201cYour agencies that are looking after them they have to keep their working dogs working.\u201d<\/p>\n Talbot spent more than 35 years with the RCMP, and routinely took home retired dogs.<\/p>\n \u201cI had Ned for five glorious years,\u201d Talbot said.<\/p>\n \u201cOver that time, I racked up about $50,000 in vet bills.\u201d<\/p>\n While veterinary medicine has advanced significantly, Talbot realized something crucial was missing: support for retired police and military working dogs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe public assumes agencies take care of them after retirement,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce these dogs can\u2019t perform anymore, they\u2019re retired and the costs don\u2019t stop.\u201d<\/p>\n Recognizing a nationwide gap, Talbot and a small group of supporters took action.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tRetired PSD Ned inspired the creation of the charity, Ned\u2019s Wish.\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tCourtesy: Stacey Talbot\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n![\"For](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765813388_386_national.jpg\")
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