From a wheelchair to wings: St. Francis' K9 Bane has died after battling nerve disorder

After battling degenerative myelopathy for nearly two years, St. Francis’ K9 Bane has turned in his wheelchair for a pair of guardian angel wings.

When he was first diagnosed with the condition in early June 2022, Bane's life expectancy was about 6 months.

St. Francis Police Detective Holly McManus announced K9 Bane had died with a video posted to Bane’s 16,000-follower strong Facebook page. The post was made early on May 10 ― day 709 of posts chronicling Bane's battle. She called it “the day that stands still.”

His official end of watch was Thursday, May 9, 2024.

He was 12 years old.

In the video, McManus, laying in the grass with an antsy Bane, said she’d gotten news that he likely had a tumor growing on his spleen that was causing discomfort and anxiety. She said the video with him might be “a little unorthodox” but she felt it was the right thing to do because Bane means so much to so many.

McManus said over the last two years they had fought DM together ― a nerve disorder similar to ALS in humans ― taught many around the world what the disease meant, started the K9 Bane Hero Foundation and have tried to be there for others who have gone through their own journeys.

How would Bane want to be remembered?

“He wouldn’t want us crying for him. He would want us to keep up the fight, never quit and continue to work hard to ensure his legacy and take care of other K9s that enter retirement and need a little more help along the way,” she said in the video. She closed by thanking the followers for their emotional and financial support. “We couldn’t have done it without you guys.”

“But if you’re watching this video, it’s because this boy right here, has ended his journey with us on earth and he’s moved on to the bridge to be with so many fur babies and other K9s and people that have come before us,” she said, cuddling her pawed partner and trying to hold back the emotions many pet owners know so well.

Bane, who retired from the St. Francis Police Department in 2020, was recently recognized with a Distinguished Service medal, traveling to Washington, D.C. with McManus in March to accept it from the Animals in War & Peace organization which honors animals for their civilian and/or military service.

Locally he was honored with a bronze statue that stands outside of the St. Francis Civic Center. At the time of its unveiling, McManus said Bane would “always be there, watching over the city.”

McManus said people are already placing things at the statue in Bane’s honor.

Contact Erik S. Hanley aterik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page,The Redheadliner, and follow him on X@Redheadliner.