Mourning The Loss Of Hurricane, The Most Decorated Dog In The United States
Hurricane, who was beloved as the most decorated dog in United States history, has died at the age of 16.
Hurricane, a Belgian Malinois, served as a Special Operations Canine with the Secret Service. He developed a pristine reputation, especially after he helped take down an intruder at the White House in 2014. Then-President Barack Obama and his family were home at the time.
The heroic pup was awarded multiple honors for his actions. Perhaps most notably, he received the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award for Valor. He shared this award with his handler, Marshall Mirarchi.
Hurricane also received the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Order of Merit, and was named the American Medical Center Top Dog. He also became the first K-9 to ever receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
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After receiving his various honors, Hurricane became the most decorated dog in U.S. history.
Mirarchi would be the first to say that Hurricane deserved every honor he ever received. As he told the New York Post, “He put his life on the line at the White House because he thought he was protecting me. I spent the rest of his life trying to repay him for what he did for me.”
Hurricane Retired In 2016 And Inspired His Handler To Found A Charity In His Honor
Hurricane was medically retired from the Secret Service in 2016 due to injuries he sustained after the White House incident. The Animal Medical Center in New York paid their respects to the brave pup by covering all of his medical bills.
Inspired by the Medical Center’s kindness, Mirarchi founded a charity called Hurricane’s Heroes. The organization helps cover medical expenses for retired working dogs like Hurricane. Since 2020, they’ve helped over 150 retired military and working dogs.
Sadly, Hurricane recently passed away at the age of 16. Mirarchi shared how much he will miss his best friend and partner.
“He was my best friend and meant the absolute world to me,” Mirarchi said. “I was so lucky to be able to have an experience to know that my dog was willing to die for me.”
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Although Hurricane is no longer with us, Mirarchi knows his legacy will live on through Hurricane’s Heroes.
May Hurricane rest in peace. Our prayers go out to Mirarchi and all who loved Hurricane…