A Belgian shepherd who went from pound puppy to decorated combat veteran has been honoured with a new award for distinguished military service at the Australian War Memorial.
Retired combat assault dog Manic received the inaugural Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award in recognition of the six years he served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Belgian malinois began his life in the pound destined for the Royal Air Force before being sold to the ADF for $8 and becoming known as “the $8 dog”.
The Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award is not the first medal Manic has recieved for his service. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Manic served with the 2nd Commando Regiment, Special Operations Command Australia, which included deployment in the Middle East providing mission assistance to Australian training teams and support of multiple coalition forces.
But he’s still doing his bit in retirement, now working as an ambassador for military working dogs by supporting various returned service leagues and charity organisations.
While Manic was the 2024 recipient of the new award, fellow retired combat assault dog Aslan also received the Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award today, as the 2025 recipient.
Retired combat assault dog Aslan is the 2025 recipient of the Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Like Manic, Aslan dedicated six years to serving with the 2nd Commando Regiment, Special Operations Command Australia — but his service was in the USA.
After surviving a battle with cancer, Aslan now dedicates his retirement to raising awareness of the severe impact of this disease on canines, and promotes health practices for all dogs.
Manic and Aslan’s handlers and carers are hoping the national recognition will raise awareness of the limited support military dogs receive when they retire.
‘From the pound to receiving a medal’
Natalie Hawkins of the Cronulla RSL says Manic and Aslan are both honorary club members. (ABC News)
When Manic’s handler was looking for somewhere the retired combat assault dog could commemorate ANZAC Day, the Cronulla RSL opened its doors to him — and then never closed them, making him an honorary member.
Cronulla RSL community projects manager Natalie Hawkins said having Manic at the club led them to realise there was limited support for retired military service animals.
“The Australian Defense Forces’ duty of care ends when the dog retires, so the costs associated with their ongoing care sits with the family that takes them in,”
Ms Hawkins said.
“Aslan did have cancer, so the costs associated with this treatment for cancer out of the service did sit with his handler.
“Cronulla RSL and other organisations like [the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation] are doing their part, but it would be fantastic to see some more support to those families.”
After starting life in the pound, Manic is now the first recipient of the Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Ms Hawkins said the Cronulla RSL was proud to see Manic and Aslan be recognised “in the most important place of remembrance in the country”.
“For a military combat assault dog, [Manic’s] the most incredibly cuddly and affectionate dog that I’ve ever seen,”
she said.
“You would never know that he was on the battlefields or working with the Australian defence commando teams.
“So for a dog like Manic to progress from the pound to receiving a medal like he did today, one of the top honours for Australian dogs, it’s really fantastic.”
‘They are veterans, they’ve served’
Nigel Allsopp of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation says the award acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of military service animals. (ABC News)
The Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award was established by the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) to recognise the outstanding actions, deeds or service of individual animals to the community.
AWAMO president Nigel Allsopp said getting the award set up had been a long process, but after seeing Australian animals issued Commonwealth awards overseas — like the UK’s Blue Cross Award — the organisation felt Australia should have one of its own.
“Manic is a worthy recipient of this inaugural award which acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of animals in various capacities, including roles with Defence, security and emergency services, and as companion and working animals,” Mr Allsopp said.
“The award also recognises the hard work and dedication of their human handlers and caregivers, who play a pivotal role in nurturing and training these extraordinary animal heroes.”
The Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award recognises the outstanding actions, deeds or service of individual military animals to the community. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Mr Allsopp said while both the 2024 and 2025 recipients were dogs, the award was not limited to canine military service animals.
“When you look at the medal … it’s got a pigeon, dog, a horse and a cat,” he said.
“[There’s] certainly lots of animals who deserve it. They are veterans, they’ve served.
“[But we’re also] looking at a generic medal, say, for all the 25,000 pigeons that served in World War II, for example — we could give one medal to the pigeon association to cater for all of those.”
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