Culture and Society
PUBLISHED
I am sorry to inform you that the most decorated dog in US history, K9 Hurricane, has died.
Hurricane, a Belgian Malinois, was a former Special Operations Canine with the US Secret Service. Originally a member of a winning US Canine Olympic team, he was soon brought on with the important role of helping to protect President Barack Obama.
It was here that Hurricane made his most significant contributions to US security. In 2014, a man scaled the fence to the White House and made a run for the front door while President Obama and his family were in residence. During the ensuing struggle, Hurricane leaped into action and subdued him. Unfortunately, Hurricane sustained some serious injuries while fighting the intruder, which ultimately led to his early retirement.
He went on to recover and then lived out his remaining days with his handler, Marshall Mirarchi.
In recognition of his action, Hurricane was awarded various honors, such as the United States Secret Services Award for Merit, the Department of Homeland Security Award for Valor, the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) Order of Merit, and the American Medical Center Top Dog. He was also the first dog in history to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
Both Hurricane and Mirarchi were awarded the Secretary’s Award for Valor for protecting President Obama and his family.
Some time after he retired, Hurricane’s Heroes was set up in his honor. This foundation offers financial support to cover veterinary care for the country’s law enforcement and military dogs.
Hurricane died at the age of 16, which is impressive as Malinois often only live to between 10 and 14 years.
“As much as we knew this time was coming there was no way to prepare. We miss him so much. A huge hole that can never be replaced,” Mirarchi told The Hill on Monday.
Rest in peace, Hurricane, you were a good boy.
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