It with an extremely heavy heart that we announce the passing of MWD Herk (P583), who lived to be an astounding 15 1/2 years old, which is extremely exceptional for a Military Working Dog! MWD Herk bravely served in the U.S. Air Force with distinction and honor from 2011-2017, as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection Dog at Vance AFB in Oklahoma. During his career, Herk performed countless sweeps and patrols protecting billions of dollars in Deparment of Defense assets. Not only was this Hero our 113th Program Member, he was the very first program member to represent the State of Oklahoma. His handler, Cory Evanauski, was the Kennel Master who contacted Project K-9 Hero in 2020, that led to us saving the life of MWD Rosso (T206), which makes this connection very special to our entire pack. Rest In Peace MWD Herk, we at PK9H will ensure that your legacy will never be forgotten. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) “Whittie” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 282nd program member! MPC Whittie served for seven years with the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. MPC Wittie’s service was instrumental in the 1st Ranger Battalion’s “War Dog Program.” MPC Whittie deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan 🇦🇫, and once in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria 🇸🇾. MPC Whittie was utilized in high-level Special Operations Missions performing Fast Rope Insertion (FRIES), Rappelling, Hoisting, Long Distance Movements, Raids, Scouting, Tracking, and Explosive Detection. Throughout Whittie’s career, he has worked with top tier organizations within the Department of Defense, as well as high-level government agencies from outside the DoD, undoubtedly elevating effectiveness of K-9 teams globally. During his last deployment to Afghanistan, MPC Whittie was severely injured during a high-value target raid in August of 2019. Injuries from this incident will undoubtedly have a long lasting impact on his health, as he is now entering his senior years. MPC Whitie has served our country with distinction, and due to his special medical needs from injuries sustained in combat, along with the financial burden that has been placed on his handler, who now has seperated from the Army, and is raising a family as a Police Officer/K-9 Handler. We are honored to accept MPC Whittie into our program so we can cover all future office visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please welcome MPC Whittie into our PK9H Pack, it is an absolute honor to serve another Hero from the United States Army Rangers! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
We at Project K-9 Hero, are so proud to be partnered with Taylor Hagler Motorsport, who is representing our logo today in Europe and on her TGI Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, as well as her Race Fire Suit! Thank you Taylor for continuing to take our brand to new global heights! Our entire pack couldn’t be any more proud of YOU! - #JJK9 https://taylorhagler.com/
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report the loss of K-9 Kees this afternoon. After being rushed to the ER by our Kennel Staff late last night, this Hero was unable to overcome the myriad of medical issues that immobilized his body entirely. Our thoughts go out to his original handler and family. We were truly honored to serve this brave soul and offer him assistance and a home, at our Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility, when he needed Project K-9 Hero the most. We greatly appreciate his department, handler, and family, in trusting our national nonprofit organization with this important responsibility, as a trusted resource to the K-9 Community. Our only regret is that we wish we could have done more for this extremely derving retired Deputy Sheriff! - #JJK9 K-9 Kees End of Watch April 27th, 2024 At 1650 Hours #NEVERFORGOTTEN
Please keep K-9 Kees in your thoughts this am, as last night he suddenly became immobilized while at our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility. It was determined late in the evening that his condition required us to transport him to the 24-hour emergency veterinarian where he is currently undergoing ultrasound, x-rays, pain management, and bloodwork. Some fluid was found on his abdomen, which they are investigating further by the critical care specialist, and he does have a history of a slipped disc in his back and neck, which we just did a full MRI on two weeks ago. We hope to learn more on his condition from the emergency hospital, and we have placed a $2,400 deposit down while we try to figure out how we can help this Hero recover! I want to personally thank our PK9H Kennel Staff for coming in after hours to help with this emergency issue on a Friday evening. Their care and dedication to our program members who reside at our facility are second to none. I will follow up with an update, as soon as we have more information on this ongoing matter. We are 100% committed to providing the best medical care possible, while this K-9 Hero fights for his life! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Project K-9 Hero Pack Member #216, K-9 Dennis, is enjoying his well deserved retirement by taking a dip in the pool. Did you know that K-9 Dennis survived a critical incident where he was shot in the line of duty over three years ago? Dennis served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9, with the Phoenix Police Department, for 6 1/2 years, until injuries from his gunshot wounds led him to an early retirement. On December 3, 2020, K-9 Dennis, his handler, and other officers of Phoenix Police Department were tasked with clearing an apartment during a homocide investigation. As Dennis led the team on the search, he turned down the hallway with officers close behind him. Once he did, multiple shots were fired from the suspect, striking K-9 Dennis in the muzzle and chest. K-9 Dennis took the bullets that would have otherwise hit the human officers, if they had rounded the corner before Dennis. The bravery K-9 Dennis showed that night, undoubtedly saved the lives of his human partners. Due to the quick thinking of his handler, and the veterinary care he received, Dennis was able to return to work in January 2021, even though shrapnel remains in his body. He worked for two more years, until recently retiring at the first of 2023, totaling over 500 deployments, that resulted in locating over 100 suspects, and compiling over 25 apprehensions during his career. As soon as the K9s of Valor Foundation heard what had happened to Dennis and the lives he saved, they reached out to his unit and offered to donate K9 Storm ballistic vests to all 17 K-9s in the unit. Due to his continuing medical needs with the shrapnel fragments that remain, and the financial burden those could place on his still actively serving handler, 15 months ago we at Project K-9 Hero placed K-9 Dennis into our program so we can cover all future office visits, medications, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. K-9 Dennis is a true Hero! PK9H is here to protect you after all you have done to protect your Community, the State of Arizona, and our Country 🇺🇸. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Today we salute, Project K-9 Hero Program Member #236, K-9 Bocca-Bella, retired from the Transportation Security Administration - TSA. K-9 Bocca-Bella, is a Belgian Malinois that is trained in explosive detection. She honorably served at Newark Liberty International Airport, and at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport protecting the traveling public and billions of dollars of infrastructure. During her career, Bella had two live explosive finds while doing searches of Federal Buildings in Alaska, that undoubtedly helped saved American 🇺🇸 Lives! We are doing our best to see that she gets the medical treatment she deserves after all she has done to protect the great State of Alaska and our country! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome K-9 “Beni” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 281st program member! Beni bravely served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Explosive Detection K-9 for ten years with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois. K-9 Beni had a distinguished career in catching criminals and protecting the public. Beni had numerous deployments with the United States Secret Service for the Presidential, Vice Presidential, and other dignitary visits. As well as being deployed to bomb threats and performing security searches for the local airport, schools, and events. Beni has developed severe arthritis in his back and in several joints affecting his mobility. He is currently needing a multitude of supplements to help with these issues that are extremely costly. Regardless of his exemplary service to his community, now that K-9 Beni is retired, all of these costs now become the responsibility of his handler. Due to his special medical needs, and the financial burden those are placing on his family, today we are placing K-9 Beni into our program so we can cover all future office visits, medications, treatments, supplements, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please take a moment today to welcome K-9 Beni to the pack. PK9H is here to protect you after all you have done to protect the State of Illinois and the United States of America 🇺🇸. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome K-9 “Beni” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 281st program member! Beni bravely served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Explosive Detection K-9 for ten years with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois. K-9 Beni had a distinguished career in catching criminals and protecting the public. Beni had numerous deployments with the United States Secret Service for the Presidential, Vice Presidential, and other dignitary visits. As well as being deployed to bomb threats and performing security searches for the local airport, schools, and events. Beni has developed severe arthritis in his back and in several joints affecting his mobility. He is currently needing a multitude of supplements to help with these issues that are extremely costly. Regardless of his exemplary service to his community, now that K-9 Beni is retired, all of these costs now become the responsibility of his handler. Due to his special medical needs, and the financial burden those are placing on his family, today we are placing K-9 Beni into our program so we can cover all future office visits, medications, treatments, supplements, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please take a moment today to welcome K-9 Beni to the pack. PK9H is here to protect you after all you have done to protect the State of Illinois and the United States of America 🇺🇸. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Update on K-9 Kazaan! From his handler: “I just got off the phone. He made it through surgery, so the next couple of days it will be a 50/50 hoping he accepts the meds. His intestines and bowels were twisted, and he had pancreatitis so the first step is finished and good. They didn’t have to remove anything, but he will remain in critical care for a couple days.” We at Project K-9 Hero were honored to put down $6,550.00 to save the life of this extremely deserving Hero! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please keep Project K-9 Hero Program Member #121, K-9 Kazaan, in your thoughts today as he is currently in the emergency room experiencing some serious medical challenges. We are honored to be covering these costs at 100%, but we could not do that without the support of our generous donors and supporters like YOU! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
We at Project K-9 Hero would like to send a special “Thank You” out to some of our key sponsors and partners that allowed us to deliver some of their high-quality products to a few of our Program Members this week. Here we have K-9 Rick, who was a graduate of our Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility in Tennessee, with his gift pack (second slide is of K-9 Millie with hers). Without the support from companies like Kibble Pet, Old Guard Pet Company , Brutus Broth, Huggle Hounds, or Rumpl, we couldn’t do all we do to “Protect Those Who Protected Us!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Rest Easy Retired K-9 Sonya💙🕊️ "It is with extreme sadness that we share that Project K-9 Hero Program Member #254, Senior Chief K-9 “Sonya,” has lost her long battle with cancer. We were so proud to serve her in retirement as she and her family bravely battled this awful disease. Our only wish is that we could have done more for Sonya! Just last month, K-9 Sonya was awarded the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal in Washington D.C. by members of U.S. Congress. This medal was instituted in 2022, as a means to recognize animals who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism and had a career of sustained superior performance. Sonya was known for her innate ability to overcome obstacles on land, sea, and in the air without quitting even when she experienced unease. Sonya was active in the U.S. Coast Guard from 2014-2023, as 1 of 18 Explosive Detection Canines in the USCG K-9 Unit. In her nine years of service, Sonya was assigned to two Duty Stations, Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Seattle (2014-2018), and Maritime Security Response Team West (2018-2023). While assigned to MSST Seattle, and MSRT West, Sonya performed 5,000 hours of explosive detection, over 8,500 vehicle sweeps for the Washington State Ferries, the nation's largest ferry transportation system, securing the safety of 400,000 passengers. She also protected seven million fans working four Superbowl's, the Rose Bowl, U.S Track and Field Olympics, U.S. World Athletics, SEAR Rated Event, multiple PGA Tournaments, dozens of Local Marathons, Concerts, and over 25 Call outs supporting Local Law Enforcement for Real Bomb Threats at residential, and federal buildings. Please take a moment today to remember and honor this amazing HERO! We at PK9H will ensure that K-9 Sonya is NEVER FORGOTTEN! - #JJK9" - @projectk9hero . . . #cancersucks #k9 #NeverForget #thankyouforyourservice #heroes
It is with extreme sadness that we share that Project K-9 Hero Program Member #254, Senior Chief K-9 “Sonya,” has lost her long battle with cancer. We were so proud to serve her in retirement as she and her family bravely battled this awful disease. Our only wish is that we could have done more for Sonya! Just last month, K-9 Sonya was awarded the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal in Washington D.C. by members of U.S. Congress. This medal was instituted in 2022, as a means to recognize animals who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism and had a career of sustained superior performance. Sonya was known for her innate ability to overcome obstacles on land, sea, and in the air without quitting even when she experienced unease. Sonya was active in the U.S. Coast Guard from 2014-2023, as 1 of 18 Explosive Detection Canines in the USCG K-9 Unit. In her nine years of service, Sonya was assigned to two Duty Stations, Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Seattle (2014-2018), and Maritime Security Response Team West (2018-2023). While assigned to MSST Seattle, and MSRT West, Sonya performed 5,000 hours of explosive detection, over 8,500 vehicle sweeps for the Washington State Ferries, the nation's largest ferry transportation system, securing the safety of 400,000 passengers. She also protected seven million fans working four Superbowl's, the Rose Bowl, U.S Track and Field Olympics, U.S. World Athletics, SEAR Rated Event, multiple PGA Tournaments, dozens of Local Marathons, Concerts, and over 25 Call outs supporting Local Law Enforcement for Real Bomb Threats at residential, and federal buildings. Please take a moment today to remember and honor this amazing HERO! We at PK9H will ensure that K-9 Sonya is NEVER FORGOTTEN! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome K-9 “Eddy” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 280th program member! Eddy bravely served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 for seven years with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office in Dalton, Georgia. K-9 Eddy had a distinguished career in catching criminals plus making felony arrests and seizures. On December 18th, 2017, while in the line of duty, K-9 Eddy suffered a significant injury to his jaw from an assailant, which he was legally deployed on, who was a violent offender and was attempting to forcefully pry Eddy’s jaws off of him. This injury had long lasting effects on Eddy both mentally and physically. Since then Eddy has suffered from a serious case of PTSD, and we are unsure of the long term impact that injury will have on him now that he is nine years old and aging. Regardless of his exemplary service to his community, now that K-9 Eddy is retired, all of these costs now become the responsibility of his handler. K-9 Eddy was an extremely accomplished working dog, being awarded the 2018 Top Dual-Purpose K-9, 2019 Top Detector K-9, and the 2020 Top Dual-Purpose K-9, all from his region in the USPCA (United States Police Canine Association). K-9 Eddy also won and episode of America’s Top Dog on A&E during season one, episode six gaining national exposure and recognition for his excellence. Due to his very special psychological and medical needs, and the financial burden those are placing on his now retired handler, today we are placing K-9 Eddy into our program so we can cover all future office visits, medications, treatments, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please take a moment today to welcome K-9 Eddy to the pack. PK9H is here to protect you after all you have done to protect the State of Georgia and the United States of America 🇺🇸. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
It is with an extremely heavy heart, we share that our 88th Project K-9 Hero program member, USAF Retired MWD “Dio” has unfortunately passed away. Our thoughts are with his Handler and family during this very difficult time. MWD Dio faithfully served for seven years as a Patrol/Explosive Detection Dog, to include a deployment in Afghanistan attached to the 5th Special Forces Group. Dio was directly responsible for saving American Lives 🇺🇸, and we were honored to serve him during his last several years in retirement. Rest In Peace MWD Dio, we will make sure that you are NEVER FORGOTTEN! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome K-9 “Eddy” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 280th program member! Eddy bravely served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 for seven years with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office in Dalton, Georgia. K-9 Eddy had a distinguished career in catching criminals plus making felony arrests and seizures. On December 18th, 2017, while in the line of duty, K-9 Eddy suffered a significant injury to his jaw from an assailant, which he was legally deployed on, who was a violent offender and was attempting to forcefully pry Eddy’s jaws off of him. This injury had long lasting effects on Eddy both mentally and physically. Since then Eddy has suffered from a serious case of PTSD, and we are unsure of the long term impact that injury will have on him now that he is nine years old and aging. Regardless of his exemplary service to his community, now that K-9 Eddy is retired, all of these costs now become the responsibility of his handler. K-9 Eddy was an extremely accomplished working dog, being awarded the 2018 Top Dual-Purpose K-9, 2019 Top Detector K-9, and the 2020 Top Dual-Purpose K-9, all from his region in the USPCA (United States Police Canine Association). K-9 Eddy also won and episode of America’s Top Dog on A&E during season one, episode six gaining national exposure and recognition for his excellence. Due to his very special psychological and medical needs, and the financial burden those are placing on his now retired handler, today we are placing K-9 Eddy into our program so we can cover all future office visits, medications, treatments, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please take a moment today to welcome K-9 Eddy to the pack. PK9H is here to protect you after all you have done to protect the State of Georgia and the United States of America 🇺🇸. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
We want to give a Sunday Shoutout to our partners and sponsors over at Shooting Targets USA, who donates these extremely high-quality steel harmonic targets to our Project K-9 Hero events for us to auction off, or raffle, to raise money for our mission. In my 31 years combined Military, Law Enforcement, Federal Government, and Overseas Contracting Service this is the absolute very best target I have ever used in respects to strength, design, and the immediate audible feedback on a hit or miss. Check out this Great American company who supports Police, Military, and K-9s, and let them know that we sent you! - #JJK9 https://shootingtargetsusa.com/ @shootingtargetsusa
I am honored to let each of you know that we made the national list, as the only K-9 related organization, as a Top Nine Charity that supports Police Officers and their families, active and retired. The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, transparency ratings, and achievements. We could not have an opportunity to make a list like this, with our name right there next to the Gary Sinise Foundation, without the individual hard work of our amazing staff, executive board members, capital campaign advisory board, partners, donors, and volunteers. For three years in a row, we have averaged 88% in Program Services, 6% in Fundraising, and just 6% in administrative costs. Numbers that we are extremely proud of when compared to other nonprofits our size worldwide! I want to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart! It is a full team effort to achieve this level of recognition on a national scale and we couldn’t be anymore grateful! - #JJK9 Learn more about these amazing organizations at: https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-that-support-police-officers/
Project K-9 Hero Ambassador, K-9 Rip, at our Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility this morning sporting his much disliked cone. Rip had a minor procedure this week to remove a small growth on his eye lid that was potentially hazardous. Please keep him in your thoughts as this ATF Special Response Team Tactical K-9 is extremely frustrated, but he is doing his best to heal and get better. K-9 Rip will turn 14 years old this coming June 2nd, and he spent 10 years assigned to the Special Operations Division, conducting over 300 high-risk missions, across the nation trying to apprehend or capture America’s Most Dangerous Criminals! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Project K-9 Hero would like to honor and remember, U. S. Marine Corps LCPL Abraham Tarwoe, from the 2nd BN, 9TH Marine (I MEF FWD) 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 12 years ago today, LCPL Tarwoe was killed in action on April 12th, 2012, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. LCPL Tarwoe was handling his Improvised Explosive Detection Dog, Yeager, when he paid the ultimate sacrifice. During the incident Yeager received extensive injuries as well and was forced into an early retirement. We at Project K-9 Hero were honored to be able to pay the rest of Yeager’s medical bills for the remainder of his life through the donations we received. We would like to send our thoughts out tonight to the family LCPL Tarwoe left behind while performing the duties of the most honorable job in the world! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
🔔 SCHOLARSHIP ALERT 🔔 The Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship is now open to high school seniors in the State of Michigan with preference given to those from the Lapeer Community School District, where Jodi attended. Apply today at: https://projectk9hero.org/pages/jodi-johnson-scholarship Eligibility Requirements are: ✅ Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident 17 years or older. ✅ Applicant shall have obtained a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated record of good attendance. ✅ Applicant shall be accepted and entered into a field of study at an accredited post-secondary institution or accredited veterinary technician school. ✅ Applicant shall be in one of the following fields of study: pre-vet, pre-med, animal science, biology, physiology, zoology, veterinary science, biological science or chemistry. ✅ Applicant shall be pursuing an associate, undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree. ✅ Applicant must be available for a personal interview by the Scholarship Awards Committee if requested. ***Preference may be given to applicants who are student athletes and/or musicians of Lapeer Community Schools with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.*** Pictured below is one of our previous distinguished scholarship recipients, Lauren Aragones, who graduated from Lapeer High School with a 4.32 GPA and is attending the University of Michigan! “It is an honor for us to give back to the students of Hadley, Metamora, and Lapeer in Jodi’s honor!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Honored to be speaking today, on behalf of Project K-9 Hero, at the State Capitol to improve how we transport critically injured K-9s in the line of duty. Such as K-9 Cain, from Crossville PD, who passed away from his stabbing wounds on August 2nd, 2017. What we are proposing will help our first responders save the lives of working dogs came, and brave future Police K-9s in Tennessee for generations to follow! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) “Gabber” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 279th program member! MPC Gabber served for three and a half years with the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. MPC Gabber’s service was instrumental in the 2nd Ranger Battalion “War Dog Program.” MPC Gabber traveled all across the country conducting Special Operation training missions ranging from raids to Vietnam Era style Scouting increasing the lethality and preparation of the Ranger Dog Program. MPC Gabber was utilized in training supporting a multitude of Special Operations entities performing Fast Rope Insertion (FRIES), Rappelling, Hoisting, Long Distance Movements, Raids, Scouting, Tracking, and Explosive Detection. Throughout Gabber’s career, he has worked with top tier organizations within the Department of Defense, as well as high-level government agencies from outside the DoD, undoubtedly elevating effectiveness of K-9 teams enterprise-wide. MPC Gabber’s service has been dedicated to enabling combat teams globally. MPC Gabber spent his final six months of service battling Immune-Mediated Polyarthropathy (IMPA) in his legs and hips, likely due to the aggressive nature of the Special Operations MPC lifestyle. This condition occurs when immune complexes accumulate within the joint space, resulting in inflammation. Immune complexes are made up of antigens bound to antibodies. In September of 2023, MPC Gabber was medically retired to his handler due to his condition. MPC Gabber has served our country with distinction, and due to his special medical needs, along with the financial burden that has been placed on his active-duty handler, we are honored to accept MPC Gabber into our program so we can cover all future office visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please welcome MPC Gabber into our PK9H Pack, and it is an absolute honor to serve another Hero from the United States Army Rangers! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
I opened up our Instagram this afternoon to see our Project K-9 Hero logo on the side of our partner and friend, Taylor Hagler’s Lamborghini in Hockenheimring, Germany. This was the most amazing and pleasant surprise to me, that I was not expecting at all. We are so honored and excited to be working with Taylor Hagler Motorsport for over three years now. This IMSA Champion is bringing global recognition to our PK9H Brand purely out of the goodness of her heart! Thank you from the entire Pack, Taylor! We ALL Love You! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) “Gabber” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 279th program member! MPC Gabber served for three and a half years with the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. MPC Gabber’s service was instrumental in the 2nd Ranger Battalion “War Dog Program.” MPC Gabber traveled all across the country conducting Special Operation training missions ranging from raids to Vietnam Era style Scouting increasing the lethality and preparation of the Ranger Dog Program. MPC Gabber was utilized in training supporting a multitude of Special Operations entities performing Fast Rope Insertion (FRIES), Rappelling, Hoisting, Long Distance Movements, Raids, Scouting, Tracking, and Explosive Detection. Throughout Gabber’s career, he has worked with top tier organizations within the Department of Defense, as well as high-level government agencies from outside the DoD, undoubtedly elevating effectiveness of K-9 teams enterprise-wide. MPC Gabber’s service has been dedicated to enabling combat teams globally. MPC Gabber spent his final six months of service battling Immune-Mediated Polyarthropathy (IMPA) in his legs and hips, likely due to the aggressive nature of the Special Operations MPC lifestyle. This condition occurs when immune complexes accumulate within the joint space, resulting in inflammation. Immune complexes are made up of antigens bound to antibodies. In September of 2023, MPC Gabber was medically retired to his handler due to his condition. MPC Gabber has served our country with distinction, and due to his special medical needs, along with the financial burden that has been placed on his active-duty handler, we are honored to accept MPC Gabber into our program so we can cover all future office visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please welcome MPC Gabber into our PK9H Pack, and it is an absolute honor to serve another Hero from the United States Army Rangers! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please keep Project K-9 Hero Program Member #20, K-9 Bart, in your thoughts and hearts today as he is experiencing some medical issues we are trying to work through. Did you know that out of our 278 lifetime recipients of PK9H, that Bart has the longest tenure in our pack? - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
We want to personally thank K-9 Onil, his handler, Jay, our executive board member, Ashley Altman, and handler of Project K-9 Hero program member #10, K-9 Kurt, from the FBI for holding a fundraiser for our nonprofit in Ohio yesterday. We greatly appreciate your support and dedication to our mission! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Take a moment to read about our newest pack member today, MPC Lucky. He went from being a Green Beret to a whole new mission of protecting his adopted family! Please Welcome Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) “Lucky” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 278th program member! MPC Lucky spent several years assigned to the U.S. Army’s 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. MPC Lucky served with the extreme valor during his career, deploying in support of operations at undisclosed locations overseas. MPC Lucky was trusted with leading teams of Special Forces members to safely and assuredly accomplish their directed missions. MPC Lucky has served our country with distinction, but now retired with his adopted family in Law Enforcement, his ongoing medical care, is no longer covered by the military or government. This family has a special needs child as well as another immediate family member fighting cancer. Placing them in an extreme financial burden to even take care of his basic health requirements. Today, we are honored to accept MPC Lucky into our program so we can cover all future office visits, prescriptions, and surgeries at 100%, for the remainder of his life. It’s the least we can do for him after all he has done for our 🇺🇸! Please take a moment to welcome MPC Lucky to our pack, as we are proud to serve another deserving K-9 Hero from the SOCOM Community! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please Welcome Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) “Lucky” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 278th program member! MPC Lucky spent several years assigned to the U.S. Army’s 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. MPC Lucky served with the extreme valor during his career, deploying in support of operations at undisclosed locations overseas. MPC Lucky was trusted with leading teams of Special Forces members to safely and assuredly accomplish their directed missions. MPC Lucky has served our country with distinction, but now retired with his adopted family in Law Enforcement, his ongoing medical care, is no longer covered by the military or government. This family has a special needs child as well as another immediate family member fighting cancer. Placing them in an extreme financial burden to even take care of his basic health requirements. Today, we are honored to accept MPC Lucky into our program so we can cover all future office visits, prescriptions, and surgeries at 100%, for the remainder of his life. It’s the least we can do for him after all he has done for our 🇺🇸! Please take a moment to welcome MPC Lucky to our pack, as we are proud to serve another deserving K-9 Hero from the SOCOM Community! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please join us in wishing Project K-9 Hero Pack Member #107, K-9 “Rex” a Happy 14th Birthday today. Rex started his career in the U.S. Marine Corps, as an Improvised Explosive Detection Dog (IDD R847). During that time, he served two tours in Afghanistan, locating roadside bombs, and saving American Lives! After his service to our Military, Rex transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security and became a Passenger Screening Canine for the TSA at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). There Rex screened hundreds of thousands of passengers for explosive devices keeping the traveling public safe from terrorism at home. We are honored to continue to serve this well-deserved Hero through our nonprofit organization. We only hope that we can keep on providing high-quality medical care for Rex for as long as he needs it for many more years to come!! Happy Birthday Rex, thank you for all that you have done in protecting our great nation 🇺🇸! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report that over the weekend we lost Project K-9 Hero Program Member #115, K-9 Europa, after her several year battle with cancer, specifically Thymoma. The loss of this Hero is very significant to me as the Founder of PK9H, as I had personally selected, trained, and placed K-9 Europa with her Special Agent Handler as the Lead Instructor of her Class #102. K-9 Europa served with honor and distinction as an Explosive Detection Canine for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives out of the Baltimore, MD field office from 2013-2018. During her career, Europa was deployed to numerous National Special Security Events (NSSE) throughout the United States. This includes the Super Bowl, Republican National Convention, Presidential Inauguration, and Papal Visit 2015. Europa was also deployed to numerous high profile special events in the United States including the Boston Marathon (3 times), World Police and Fire Games, several PGA tournaments, 2015 UCI Road Championship, several Army/Navy football games, multiple NFL football games in the Baltimore and Washington DC area, two presidential visits to the City of Baltimore, and celebration for the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner at Ft. McHenry. Europa was also worked many local events that drew large crowds including Navy home football games, Baltimore Marathon, Preakness, as well as local festivals. Please take a moment today to remember Europa for significant contributions to the security of our great nation. Our hearts and thoughts are with her handler and family on this Easter Sunday. As we at PK9H will make certain that she is Never Forgotten! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
It is with heavy heart that we share the passing of Project K-9 Hero program member, K-9 Wrigley, pack member #103, due to health complications. K-9 Wrigley was retired from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, where he served as a Certified ATF Accelerant Detection Canine for seven years, investigating over 300 fire 🔥 scenes for evidence of arson, homocides, and other crimes throughout the state of Tennessee and many surrounding states. K-9 Wrigley had retired with multiple health issues to include irregularities with his liver and arthritis in his joints. We are honored to serve this amazing Hero in retirement by paying all of Wrigley’s medical at 100% for the last several years. Please take a moment to remember K-9 Wrigley, as we Never let him be Forgotten after all he has done for our community and the State of Tennessee! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
A behind the scenes look at a commercial we filmed yesterday with our partners at Old Guard Pet Company at our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility in Tennessee. The star of the day was K-9 Rick, Project K-9 Hero Program Member #186, and a graduate from our rehabilitation center. Also included in this short clip is our very own K-9 Rip and K-9 Yoube. Our K-9 Heroes absolutely love the products from Old Guard, which were developed by Dr. Maggie Gooding, who has a PhD in Companion Animal Nutrition. Their “Big Guns” and “Patriot Power” formulas provides the proper amount healthy protein for our working dogs that they need to maintain their athletic physique in retirement. Old Guard food also helps maintain joint function, mental acuity, and probiotics for dogs of all activity levels. Learn More About This Amazing Organization At: https://www.oldguardpetco.com/ Old Guard Pet Company is the only company with a PhD nutritionist as the founder, owner, and CEO, and they prioritize fact-based science in their recipe designs. - #JJK9
Please take a moment to wish a Happy 27th Birthday to Project K-9 Hero Ambassador, Sergeant Paige Lewis! Paige is a decorated Army Veteran, and a current Dual-Purpose Military Working Dog Handler, with the Department of the Army Civilian Police, within the U.S. Department of Defense. Pictured here is Retired MWD Eros (W457) from the Army MWD Program. Paige adopted Eros after his service and he is PK9H Member #138, as well as our 2021 Explosive Detection Hero Dog of the Year! Happy Birthday Paige, thank you for dedicating your career to our organization and this profession! - #JJK9 Learn More About Paige and Eros at: LINK TO YOUTUBE PAGE in BIO - https://youtu.be/Ucd6TkryTQQ
PK9H Rehabilitation graduate, K-9 Rick ( #186), on set today filming a commercial with our partners, Old Guard Pet Company on location at Project K-9 Hero Headquarters! Stay tuned for more footage of this collaboration tomorrow that also includes K-9 Rip and K-9 Yoube. Old Guard was developed by Dr. Maggie Gooding, who has a PhD in Companion Animal Nutrition, and provides the proper amount healthy protein as well as a formula helps maintain joint function, mental acuity, and probiotics in our nation’s active and retired high energy working dogs! Learn More About This Amazing Organization At: https://www.oldguardpetco.com/ Old Guard Pet Company is the only company with a PhD nutritionist as the founder, owner, and CEO, and they prioritize fact-based science in their recipe designs. - #JJK9
We at Project K-9 Hero are so honored to be working with Old Guard Pet Company , who will be on site today at our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility in Tennessee, to visit the retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs in our program, that they supply food and treats to at NO cost to our nonprofit! Stay tuned later for some great photos, and please take a moment to read our recent National Press Release on this amazing partnership! - #JJK9 LINK IN STORY - https://projectk9hero.org/pages/old-guard-pet-company-partners-with-project-k9-hero
Please welcome retired Police K-9 “Castle” into our Pack as our 276th Program Member. K-9 Castle served with honor and distinction for six years at the Gallatin Police Department, as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9. During his tenure, Castle had a very successful career as a working dog, with a total of 178 arrests while protecting his community and the State of Tennessee. Yesterday morning, K-9 Castle’s original handler drove him to our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility, to transition him into our care. K-9 Castle quickly took a liking to our staff, walking trails, exercise area, and his new custom indoor/outdoor kennel that once housed Military Working Dog Rosso for three years. Castle is a Hero that can be extremely aggressive in certain situations. Specifically around strangers, or people he doesn’t know very well. Both of his former handlers have toddlers in their homes and it would be extremely unsafe to leave Castle unattended with their families while they were on shift now that he retired from duty this month. We commend both his handlers and the Gallatin Police Department Command Staff for wanting the best life for Castle, and recognizing that him being around newborn children was not a situation that would be healthy for them or Castle. Project K-9 Hero is extremely honored to be a trusted resource for the national law enforcement community when a Hero like Castle needs our help the most with rehabilitation or rehoming. Please take a moment to welcome Castle into our pack, as it will take him some time at our facility to transition from working life to retired life. It is because of your support and donations that K-9 Castle no longer has to worry about needing to find a home, we will make sure we locate one with an adopter that has the proper environment just for him, along with providing his medical care for the rest of his LIFE! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
After six years of service with the Gallatin Police Department in Tennessee, K-9 Castle retired on Friday (March 22nd) with honor and valor. Unfortunately, due to his history of aggressive behavior, neither of his previous handlers could safely adopt him because of each having young toddlers in their home. Over the last few weeks, we at Project K-9 Hero have been working directly with one of his former handlers and the department’s command staff to place K-9 Castle in our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility just a few hours away. This morning, K-9 Castle is on his way to our PK9H HQ. Look for his formal announcement to come later after his intake transition, but we are honored to save another Hero who simply didn’t have any other options after his service. It is what we do at PK9H, “Protecting Those Who Protected Us!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
It’s Remember Every Dog Deployed (R.E.D.D.) Friday from Project K-9 Hero. Check out this billboard that went up this week on I-90 outside of Billings, Montana thanks to our partners at Lamar Advertising of Montana! What an honor for PK9H member #176, MWD RRoddie (R881), who deployed twice to Afghanistan, with his handler Paul Bourgeois, when the were a part of the Army MWD Program, to be featured along a major interstate highway! Thank you so much to Lamar Advertising Company for supporting our mission and spreading awareness of our cause! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
As we wrap up the 2024 Global Pet Expo today, we at Project K-9 Hero are extremely thankful to have created several new corporate partnerships with companies such as Playology Pets, Operation Good Boy, MidWest Homes for Pets, and Lilly Brush Co. As well as maintaining some of our long term relationships with companies such as Huggle Hounds, Benebone, Halo Lights, and FURminator Inc.. Without these essential relationships we couldn’t do all we do to “Protect Those Who Protected Us!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome K-9 Brolo, as our 275th Program Member, inducted into Project K-9 Hero! K-9 Brolo honorably served as a Patrol/Apprehension K-9 from 2015 through 2020 with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. During his five years of service, K-9 Brolo, had very active career, primarily patrolling the La Pine area of Deschutes County, Oregon. He was instrumental in locating and arresting dozens of suspects along with locating several missing persons. Brolo recovered evidence in numerous cases which was essential to helping them lead to convictions of dangerous criminals. In addition to his active patrol work, K-9 Brolo made regular visits to local schools and corporate organizations. Brolo was a favorite amongst students and the community in the greater Bend region. Now in retirement, K-9 Brolo has had vision issues since he was still actively working. His vision has been getting worse each day. Which could potentially lead him to becoming blind if not addressed immediately. Additionally, Brolo has recently developed a small growth on his eyelid that needs to be assessed by veterinarians before it becomes worse. Brolo’s hearing is diminishing as well, which is a direct result from his service as a Patrol/Apprehension K-9. Regardless of Brolo’s exemplary service to the citizens of Oregon, all of his medical costs are now the responsibility of his handler since he has retired. Thankfully, PK9HERO will now be covering all of his future office visits, medications, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please take a moment today to welcome K-9 Brolo to the Pack! PK9H is here to protect you after all you have done to serve the citizens of Bend, Oregon and the United States of America 🇺🇸. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome K-9 Brolo, as our 275th Program Member, inducted into Project K-9 Hero! K-9 Brolo honorably served as a Patrol/Apprehension K-9 from 2015 through 2020 with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. During his five years of service, K-9 Brolo, had very active career, primarily patrolling the La Pine area of Deschutes County, Oregon. He was instrumental in locating and arresting dozens of suspects along with locating several missing persons. Brolo recovered evidence in numerous cases which was essential to helping them lead to convictions of dangerous criminals. In addition to his active patrol work, K-9 Brolo made regular visits to local schools and corporate organizations. Brolo was a favorite amongst students and the community in the greater Bend region. Now in retirement, K-9 Brolo has had vision issues since he was still actively working. His vision has been getting worse each day. Which could potentially lead him to becoming blind if not addressed immediately. Additionally, Brolo has recently developed a small growth on his eyelid that needs to be assessed by veterinarians before it becomes worse. Brolo’s hearing is diminishing as well, which is a direct result from his service as a Patrol/Apprehension K-9. Regardless of Brolo’s exemplary service to the citizens of Oregon, all of his medical costs are now the responsibility of his handler since he has retired. Thankfully, PK9HERO will now be covering all of his future office visits, medications, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. Please take a moment today to welcome K-9 Brolo to the Pack! PK9H is here to protect you after all you have done to serve the citizens of Bend, Oregon and the United States of America 🇺🇸. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Day one of the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida for Project K-9 Hero was a huge success! A special thank you to our partners and sponsors such as Blue-9 Pet Products, Brutus Broth, FURminator Inc., DreamBone®, Nature's Miracle, Halo Lights, Kibble Pet, and the National Animal Supplement Council for their continued support of our nonprofit organization! Tomorrow we have another full day of meetings with additional supporters and potential new corporate donors. Stay tuned as we aim to continue to increase the awareness of the PK9H mission globally! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
After just a short time at his new fur-ever home in Michigan, Retired Military Working Dog (MWD) “Johny” (Y065), is already getting along with his new pack mates, K-9 Storm and K-9 Shadow, who are both actively serving at the Michigan State University Police K-9 Unit. We couldn’t be more excited for this level of success for MWD Johny and his new family! We at Project K-9 Hero want to specifically thank the United States Army MWD Program, MWD Adoptions, and the 50th Military Working Dog Detachment for trusting our nonprofit with MWD Johny’s Rehabilitation and Rehoming. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
The Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship is now open to high school seniors in the State of Michigan with preference given to those from the Lapeer Community School District, where Jodi attended. Apply today at: https://projectk9hero.org/pages/jodi-johnson-scholarship Eligibility Requirements are: ✅ Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident 17 years or older. ✅ Applicant shall have obtained a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated record of good attendance. ✅ Applicant shall be accepted and entered into a field of study at an accredited post-secondary institution or accredited veterinary technician school. ✅ Applicant shall be in one of the following fields of study: pre-vet, pre-med, animal science, biology, physiology, zoology, veterinary science, biological science or chemistry. ✅ Applicant shall be pursuing an associate, undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree. ✅ Applicant must be available for a personal interview by the Scholarship Awards Committee if requested. ***Preference may be given to applicants who are student athletes and/or musicians of Lapeer Community Schools with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.*** Pictured below is one of our previous distinguished scholarship recipients, Kaitlyn Sierakowski, who is currently attending Michigan State University to pursue her dream of becoming a Doctor. Kaitlyn is from Hadley, Michigan and is graduate of Lapeer High School. “It is an honor for us to give back to the students of Hadley, Metamora, and Lapeer in Jodi’s honor!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
The Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship is now open to high school seniors in the State of Michigan with preference given to those from the Lapeer Community School District, where Jodi attended. Apply today at: https://projectk9hero.org/pages/jodi-johnson-scholarship Eligibility Requirements are: ✅ Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident 17 years or older. ✅ Applicant shall have obtained a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher with a demonstrated record of good attendance. ✅ Applicant shall be accepted and entered into a field of study at an accredited post-secondary institution or accredited veterinary technician school. ✅ Applicant shall be in one of the following fields of study: pre-vet, pre-med, animal science, biology, physiology, zoology, veterinary science, biological science or chemistry. ✅ Applicant shall be pursuing an associate, undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree. ✅ Applicant must be available for a personal interview by the Scholarship Awards Committee if requested. ***Preference may be given to applicants who are student athletes and/or musicians of Lapeer Community Schools with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.*** Pictured below is one of our previous distinguished scholarship recipients, Lauren Aragones, who graduated from Lapeer High School with a 4.32 GPA and is attending the University of Michigan! “It is an honor for us to give back to the students of Hadley, Metamora, and Lapeer in Jodi’s honor!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
In honor of the recent loss of K-9 “Jam,” I wanted to share this article I wrote about their amazing story and his namesake shortly after I had paired them as a team. This was my very last class as the Lead Instructor of the ATF S.E.E.K. Program, and I was so proud to end my tenure there with graduating Class #112. This feature was published in K-9 Cop Magazine in January of 2016! Please take a moment to READ and SHARE to honor this faithful Hero! - #JJK9
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the loss of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #239, “K-9 Jam,” who passed away on #K9VeteransDay from complications surrounding his long term battle with pancreatitis. This Hero was very special to me along with many others. Please take a moment to honor him, and read his story below, of his namesake and career contributions. One of the very last things I wanted to accomplish, before I left my instructor position at ATF, was to name a Explosive Detection K-9 after fallen Special Agent Johnny A. Masengale. As a 2011 recipient of his National Award for “Outstanding Contributions to the Explosive Field” it was my honor to accomplish that in 2015, and keep my word I had given his family! With permission of Johnny’s widow, Lois Margetin Masengale, and his only son, Larry Masengale, we successfully named this Hero, J.A.M., after the Hero of his namesake who tragically died in the line of duty on May 6th, 1992. K-9 Jam served as an Explosive Detection Police K-9, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, from 2015-2022 out of the Charlotte, NC Field Division. During that time, he participated in over 40 explosive evidence investigations and recoveries including firearms, pistol/rifle casings, magazines, and pipe bomb fragments. K-9 Jam routinely assisted other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations, where he successfully helped find the evidence to prosecute suspects in shooting incidents. Please take a moment today to remember K-9 Jam as our hearts and thoughts are with his family! PK9H was honored to protect you in retirement after all you have done to protect your community, the State of North Carolina, and our country 🇺🇸. Thank you for living up to your namesake and making us all extremely proud of you! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Great to catch up with Project K-9 Hero Program Member #145, K-9 Mattis, while we were both in Manhattan for #K9VeteransDay! Mark and Mattis will be on both Good Morning America and NEWSMAX today promoting their new children’s book, “K-9 Mattis On The Job.” Be sure to tune in and support the most famous member of the PK9H Pack! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG @adps_k9_mattis
We at Project K-9 Hero, would like to thank our friends at Morgan Stanley, for having Retired Military Working Dog “Reno” (B268), as the guest of honor today on #WallStreet for National K-9 Veterans Day! We are on our way to NEWSMAX where we will be on LIVE today at 3:45 ET! Tune in then to see our segment! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG #K9VeteransDay
Honored to be a featured story in #NYWeekly. Headed over to see our friends #InsideEdition now, and do the first of a series of national media interviews for #K9VeteransDay here in the Big Apple 🍎! - #JJK9 READ and SHARE at: LINK IN STORY - https://nyweekly.com/business/a-voice-for-the-voiceless-pledges-unwavering-support-for-retired-police-k-9s-and-military-working-dogs/
Good morning from New York City! Retired MWD Reno is ready for his Global Television debut over the next few days representing Project K-9 Hero for #K9VeteransDay! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Earlier this week we adopted out retired Military Working Dog “Johny” (Y065) from our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility in Tennessee. Here is an update from his new home in Michigan, where he is thriving in his new environment. We at Project K-9 Hero want to specifically thank Paige and Luke for volunteering to take this Hero into their lives and provide him with the care and attention he deserves, the Army MWD Program for trusting our organization with these types of cases, and all of our supporters and donors who allow us to “Protect Those Who Protected Us!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Next week for K-9 Veterans Day, we at Project K-9 Hero will be in NYC for multiple national and global media events. We will be joined by one of our Ambassadors, retired Military Working Dog “Reno” (B262), who was medically separated from the U.S. Army just over two years ago. We are excited to showcase Reno’s story below to millions of viewers around the world! MWD Reno served as a dual-purpose patrol/explosive detection K-9, until a severe skin condition forced him into a early medical retirement at just four years old. His handler resided in the military barracks, and was unable to have her partner retire with her there due to military regulations. She reached out to PK9H because she stated that, “He will be put down if I can't find somewhere that will take him in” and that she “can’t stand to see him put down at such a young age!” We began working with his handler in late September, 2021 to ensure that MWD Reno would not be euthanized, and we fully committed to helping him in retirement at all costs. We coordinated with the U.S. Army as Reno’s retirement became official in early December, 2001. We made the necessary logistical accommodations, both at our facility and with the airlines, to ship Reno via cargo to PK9H. After several months in our Rehabilitation program, MWD Reno was rehomed from Project K-9 Hero in February of 2022 to Christine Schulter. Reno was given a second chance at his best life in Utah, where he lives full-time with Christine and Evan Nolte, who is an Army Veteran himself and served as a Veterinarian Technician to the Special Operations Command. Stay tuned for networks and air times as we know more over the next few days! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Yesterday, in Washington D.C., Project K-9 Hero Program Member #254, Senior Chief K-9 “Sonya” was awarded the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal. This medal was instituted in 2022, as a means to recognize animals who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism and had a career of sustained superior performance. K-9 Sonya is an 11-year old female Belgian Malinois, easily recognized by her alert attentive posture, fawn red coat and an unmatched desire to work. She is a calm, affectionate canine who is devoted to her shipmates and her responsibilities as a vital component of security across the United States. Sonya has always overcome obstacles on land, sea, and in the air without quitting even when she experienced unease. Sonya was active from 2014-2023, as 1 of 18 Explosive Detection Canines in the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG K-9). In her nine years of service, Sonya was assigned to two Duty Stations, Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Seattle (2014-2018), and Maritime Security Response Team West (2018-2023). While assigned to MSST Seattle, and MSRT West, Sonya performed 5,000 hours of explosive detection, over 8,500 vehicle sweeps for the Washington State Ferries, the nation's largest ferry transportation system, securing the safety of 400,000 passengers. She also protected seven million fans working four Superbowl's, the Rose Bowl, U.S Track and Field Olympics, U.S. World Athletics, SEAR Rated Event, multiple PGA Tournaments, dozens of Local Marathons, Concerts, and over 25 Call outs supporting Local Law Enforcement for Real Bomb Threats at residential, and federal buildings. Please take a moment to comment and congratulate K-9 Sonya on this LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT on being one of the K-9 Heroes this year to receive the 2024 Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal! We ❤️ You Sonya! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please help us welcome Caitlyn Smith, to the Project K-9 Hero team, as she was recently selected to be our 2024 Graphic Design Intern. Caitlyn is currently a high school senior and a member of the Beta Club. She is holding a 4.0 GPA, and strives to balance her scholarly pursuits with her love for animals and art. Caitlyn states, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved animals. Helping those in need is specifically something I’m passionate about. A few years ago, I fostered kittens that would’ve been euthanized otherwise. My mom and I nursed them back to health and they were eventually adopted into a loving family. Along with animals, I also have a love for art. Whether it’s painting on a canvas or illustrating digitally, I’m always able to find a way to use my creativity. Drawing started as a simple hobby and now it’s leading me down a path to an exciting career.” “I’m very honored to have been chosen as the graphic design intern for Project K-9 Hero. This has given me the opportunity to use my creativity in order to benefit the amazing dogs that this company supports. Not only am I gaining hands-on experience in graphic design, but I’m also a part of an amazing organization, says Caitlyn. We are honored to give this very special opportunity to Caitlyn and help her future grow both personally and professionally. Please take a moment to congratulate Caitlyn on her selection as our 2024 Graphic Design Intern! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
Please welcome retired Police K-9 “Kees” into our Pack as our 273rd Program Member. K-9 Kees served with honor and distinction for ten years at the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, IL, as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9. During his tenure, Kees had a very successful career as a working dog, with a multitude of tracking arrests, and narcotic finds and seizures, while protecting his community and the State of Illinois. Yesterday morning, K-9 Kees handler drove him to our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility, to transition him into our care. Kees quickly took a liking to our staff, exercise area, and his new custom indoor/outdoor kennel that once housed K-9 Koda for over two years. Kees was extremely social and friendly with everyone the minute he arrived. Kees is a Hero that does not have any major behavioral issues, it was simply a case of the Handler being reassigned to Patrol and SWAT, having family commitments with his children, and not having the time to properly interact with Kees daily so he could enjoy his well deserved retirement. We commend his Handler for wanting the best life for his partner, and recognizing that him being away home for 14-16 plus hours a day at a time doesn’t give Kees the attention he deserves. Project K-9 Hero is extremely honored to be a trusted resource for the national law enforcement and the professional canine training community when a Hero like Kees needs our help the most with rehabilitation or rehoming. Please take a moment to welcome Kees into our pack, and look for him to graduate from our program and become available in a very short period of time. It is because of your support and donations Kees no longer has to worry about needing to find a home, we will make sure we find one with an adopter that has plenty of time just for him, along with providing his medical care for the rest of his LIFE! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
K-9 Rip and his Handler, Chris, served on the ATF Special Response Team #3 together for 10 years, and deployed on over 300 high-risk missions as a duo. It had been over a year since the two have been able to visit, as Chris is still active as a federal agent, but this week they were able to catch up like they never missed a day. Due to the demanding mission tempo of an SRT member, Chris was unable to maintain Rip due his national travel schedule. However, we at Project K-9 Hero are honored that the U.S. Government, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and handlers like Chris, trust our organization with their faithfully partners in situations like this. So they may have the peace of mind that their Hero is taken care of for life, while they continue to serve our nation. - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
On his way this morning to our Project K-9 Hero Facility, from Tazewell County, Illinois, to enter our Rehabilitation and Rehoming Program, is K-9 Kees! Stay tuned to learn all about this Hero and how our organization is stepping up to help him find his fur-ever home in retirement! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
We at Project K-9 Hero are so thankful for Paige and Luke, who drove down from Michigan today to adopt retired Military Working Dog “Johny” (Y065) from our Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility in Tennessee today! Johny was medically retired from the U.S. Army MWD Program late last year, and was facing euthanasia due to a history of agression and unwarranted bites on his handlers. Unable to be adopted by the general public, and with none of his former handlers able to take him, he found his second chance at life with our nonprofit organization days before of his cutoff date given of January 8th. Our experienced staff worked consistently with Johny seven days a week over the last two months, establishing a routine, and administering proper pain medication for his severe back and hip arthritic pain. While in our care, MWD Johny was the perfect resident, and graduated our comprehensive program with zero incidents with our staff. Paige and Luke are both active-duty Police K-9 Handlers with a professional set up, excercise area, kennel accommodations, no children, and a home environment that we feel he will succeed in. We want to thank all our our donors, partners, and sponsors, for supporting our organization so we may save the lives of Heroes such as Johny. A special thank you to the U.S. Military, U.S. Army, MWD Adoptions Staff, and the 50th Military Working Dog Detachment for continuing to trust Project K-9 Hero with such a special case like Johny. We at PK9H will continue to pay for his medical care, prescriptions, office visits, and any surgeries he may need for the remainder of his life. Stay tuned as we will update each of you on the progress of this wonderful adoption story! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
We at Project K-9 Hero are so thankful for Paige and Luke, who drove down from Michigan today to adopt retired Military Working Dog “Johny” (Y065) from our Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility in Tennessee today! Johny was medically retired from the U.S. Army MWD Program late last year, and was facing euthanasia due to a history of agression and unwarranted bites on his handlers. Unable to be adopted by the general public, and with none of his former handlers able to take him, he found his second chance at life with our nonprofit organization days before of his cutoff date given of January 8th. Our experienced staff worked consistently with Johny seven days a week over the last two months, establishing a routine, and administering proper pain medication for his severe back and hip arthritic pain. While in our care, MWD Johny was the perfect resident, and graduated our comprehensive program with zero incidents with our staff. Paige and Luke are both active-duty Police K-9 Handlers with a professional set up, excercise area, kennel accommodations, no children, and a home environment that we feel he will succeed in. We want to thank all our our donors, partners, and sponsors, for supporting our organization so we may save the lives of Heroes such as Johny. A special thank you to the U.S. Military, U.S. Army, MWD Adoptions Staff, and the 50th Military Working Dog Detachment for continuing to trust Project K-9 Hero with such a special case like Johny. We at PK9H will continue to pay for his medical care, prescriptions, office visits, and any surgeries he may need for the remainder of his life. Stay tuned as we will update each of you on the progress of this wonderful adoption story! - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
March 2nd, 2016, marks the official anniversary for Project K-9 Hero. I remember when I quit my job in the government to follow my passion. For those of you keeping score, I started with $500 dollars out of my own pocket eight years ago. Since the organization has raised over 20 million dollars, saved the lives of countless Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs, worked with lawmakers on Federal Legislation, established 177 acre Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility, and positively impacted the families of hundreds of first responders through our initiatives. Some of you laughed at me, some of you wished I would crash and burn, but most of you supported my vision. For that, I could never thank you enough! Here is to many more wonderful years of “Protecting Those Who Protected Us!” - #JJK9 WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG
🇺🇸 EMPLOYEE APRECIATION DAY 🐾 I am blessed to be surrounded by a staff that is smarter than me, more experienced than me, yet just as driven as I am. With being the CEO or President of nine organizations, and having 47 employees, I could do none of this every day on my own without the dedication of our amazing staff. I want to take a moment today to thank each and every one of them for allowing me to lead them and give back to the global Military and Law Enforcement Community. I am the one you see on TV, the interviews, and in media, but the truth is our employees are the ones that make it happen 365 days a year. I am not an easy person to work for, we demand extreme commitment, accountability, and perfection, I greatly appreciate each and every one of them not only today but every day! - #JJK9
Tomorrow night is the official Label 22 Records Launch / Showcase Brought to you By Project K-9 Hero at the Whiskey Bent Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee. We couldn’t be any more honored to be the Title Sponsor of this amazing event, and support our good friend Stephen Cochran, as he and his team kick off this new Recording and Management Company! The Artist Showcase is from 6 pm-10 pm, on the 2nd floor, of the world famous #WhiskeyBent on Broadway. I look forward to seeing many of you there! - #JJK9 #Label22 #projectk9hero #cig #whiskeybent #calebmontgomery #stephencochran #christurnermusic #salgmusic #lockridgeco #samtate #clairecunningham #garychapman #whiskeywine #operationpetcare #romanswarriorfoundation