2017 Milestone: Huge Growth

Jason Johnson signing copies of his children's book, "K-9 Flash Becomes a Hero" at day one of the 2017 National Finals Rodeo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

In 2017, one decision reshaped the future of Project K-9 Hero when Jason Johnson left his government career behind to take the mission on the road full-time.

“I realized that our nation’s retired working dogs needed more assistance than I was able to give while still working in the government,” Jason shared. “Therefore, I made the decision to quit my job and spend the rest of my life protecting them, since they spent theirs protecting us.”

What followed was a year powered by grassroots efforts, apparel sales, and the help of friends.

“You’ll never grow if you don’t take a leap of faith,” Jason said.

Through events and shows across the country, that leap helped grow Project K-9 Hero’s operating budget from $12,800 to $500,000 in just one year.

Since that moment, Project K-9 Hero has expanded from a homegrown effort into a nationally recognized 501(c)(3), made possible by the generosity of donors and friends who believed in the mission.