It is with sadness that we let you know we lost these Pack Members in April 2024. We salute them for their service and will never forget their contributions to our country.
K-9 Sonya
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 was an 11-year old female Belgian Malinois, easily recognized by her alert attentive posture, fawn red coat and an unmatched desire to work. She was a calm, affectionate canine who was devoted to her shipmates and her responsibilities as a vital component of security across the United States. Sonya always overcame 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.
In retirement, Sonya was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer that we at PK9H had been covering financially at 100%. These extremely expensive costs, procedures, and diagnostic testing were no longer covered by the government once her service ended. We were honored to help give her more time with her family.
It is with heavy hearts that we let you know Sonya lost her battle with cancer after a very brave fight. She will never be forgotten.
June 11th, 2012 - April 14th, 2024
K-9 Kees
Program Member #273
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report the loss of K-9 Kees, one of the Heroes who was residing at our Rehabilitation & Rehoming Center in Whitwell, TN.
After being rushed to the ER by our Kennel Staff late at night, this Hero was unable to overcome the myriad of medical issues that immobilized his body entirely.
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.
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 deserving retired Deputy Sheriff. We will miss you, Kees.
November 2nd, 2012 - April 27th, 2024
MWD Herk (P583)
Program Member #113
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.
December 29th, 2008 - April 28th, 2024
MWD Dio
Program Member #88
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!
June 27th, 2010 - April 10th, 2024
