Gander, also known as 'Pal', was the only dog from Canada to receive the Dickin Medal

Gander was sent to Hong Kong with the Royal Rifles of Canada in 1941. During the battle at Lei Yue Mun (around the present site of the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence), Gander showed his bravery in protecting his comrades-in-arms. When the Japanese landed near the soldiers at the beach, Gander barked and attempted to bite them. Later, when the Japanese troops were getting near a group of wounded Canadian soldiers, Gander protected them by suddenly charging at the Japanese. The enemy soldiers changed their route, which spared the wounded Canadians.

Finally, when Gander saw an enemy grenade, he grabbed it in his mouth and carried it to where it would not harm his companions. Unfortunately, the grenade exploded and killed him.