She was an amazing detection dog who, for the past four years, dedicated herself to the work of the Wildlife Detection Dog Unit. Her prowess at discovering buried items was particularly admired.
Sadly, Bubba was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. We managed the condition with joint supplements and pain medications – as well as a significantly reduced workload.
We were in the process of retiring and rehoming Bubba when we picked up on a neurological issue. Sadly, the condition progressed rapidly and the unit was devastated to say goodbye to Bubba so soon.
We are so grateful for Bubba’s contributions to protecting wildlife in Malawi. She will be sorely missed – perhaps most of all by Ian, her handler since the unit’s inception in 2018.
The Wildlife Detection Dog Unit is a partnership between the Malawi Police Service, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust and the Department for National Parks and Wildlife.
Photos: Julia Gunther, Thando Sibindi