Congratulations, K-9 Sonya!
On March 6, 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.
Most notably during her career, she assisted in security details for four U.S. Presidents, Diplomats, high ranking dignitaries, and other World Leaders. During her career she has found a firearm that was ditched in a high-speed pursuit that was later linked to multiple homicides in the area that was used for identifying the suspect. On three other occasions, K-9 Sonya was able to locate spent shell casings that were used for case files and crime scene evidence.
In retirement, Sonya has been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer that we at PK9H have been covering financially at 100%. These extremely expensive costs, procedures, and diagnostic testing is no longer covered by the government now that her service is complete. We at PK9H have teamed up with Dr. Melissa Parsons-Doherty, and her amazing team at The Woodlands Animal Cancer and Referral Center in Texas, to get K-9 Sonya the best medical care possible. We were so happy that she was healthy enough to make this trip to receive this well deserved recognition.
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!
