MWD Corado

Program Member #355

It is with an extremely heavy heart  that we share in the passing of retired Military Working Dog (MWD) "Corado" (W504), the 355th Program Member of our Project K-9 Hero Pack.

MWD Corado served for nine years in the United States Marine Corps, as a certified Patrol/Explosives Detection Dog. Graduating from Lackland Air Force Base in 2014, MWD Corado was immediately assigned to Camp Hansen, Japan. There he deployed in support of operations in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force from 2015-2020. During that assignment he attended the MWD Pre-Deployment course in Yuma, AZ on three seperate occasions with three seperate handlers, earning the “Top Dog Award” in 2017. After his assignment with the Marine Expeditionary Force was complete, MWD Corado remained stationed in Okinawa, Japan with the USMC’s Military Police Detachment and Provost Marshal’s Office from 2020-2023.

We at PK9H were extremely honored to cover his veterinary office visits, follow ups, procedures, diagnostic testing, and medical needs at 100%. It was the least we could do for this Hero after all he has done to protect so many of our members of our military worldwide!

Please take a moment to keep MWD Corado’s and Handler and Family in your thoughts and hearts, as he will truly be missed by many!

August 27th, 2013 - December 1st, 2025

MPC Donder

Program Member #193

With great sadness, we share in the passing of Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) Donder2 (Y401).

MPC Donder served for five years with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Command in the 3rd Special Forces Group. During her highly decorated career, she deployed to CENTCOM, led Green Berets on dozens of Special Operations missions and Direct Action raids, and repeatedly placed herself in harm’s way to protect American lives.

In 2016, Donder suffered a severe fall resulting in a significant leg injury. After extensive surgery and rehabilitation, she returned to full duty and deployed again with her Handler. By 2019, the physical toll of service forced her into early retirement.

In retirement, Donder continued to face medical challenges. She found a loving home with an active-duty Army veterinarian who selflessly cared for her, even as medical costs grew overwhelming. Project K-9 Hero was honored to step in and ensure Donder received the care she deserved.

During the summer of 2025, Donder was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Despite treatment and tireless efforts to give her more time, her body ultimately could not overcome the illnesses she fought so bravely.

MPC Donder’s End of Watch came after a long, courageous struggle. Her legacy lives on in the lives she protected and the hearts she touched. She will always be remembered.

September 16th, 2013 - December 4th, 2025

K-9 Asha

Program Member #167

It is with an extremely heavy heart  that we share in the passing of K-9 Asha, our 167th Program Member, and our 2021 Project K-9 Hero, K-9 Hero Awards, Narcotics Detection Dog of the Year winner!

Please take a moment to watch the video that we produced on her and her Handler, Jaime Garcia.

K-9 Asha officially retired on February 7th, 2022, after years of service to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, in Texas. K-9 Asha served as a Narcotics Detection K-9 on the southern border of Texas, where she siezed millions of dollars in illegal narcotics and drug related currency annually. She began her career by being donated to the K9s.org through iK9 and the 1st Foundation. Once she was trained and placed in the field by K9s.org, she quickly rose to becoming a nationally known hero, and was named their “Top Narcotics Seizure” Award Winner in 2018 and 2019.

In 2022, Asha was be featured on our Project K-9 Hero “K-9 Hero Awards” television special on GAC Family Network. As part of her winning our inaugural Narcotics Detection K-9 Hero of the Year Award, she was placed in our program as soon as her service was complete. It was an honor to serve this Hero in retirement by paying 100% of her medical care for the last 3 1/2 years.

Rest in Peace, K-9 Asha, you were a true HERO! We at PK9H will NEVER let you be FORGOTTEN!

May 31st, 2013 - December 10th, 2025

K-9 TTirado

Program Member #196

It is with an extremely heavy heart  that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #196, K-9 TTirado, from health complications at 16 years of age. TTirado and his Handler have been an instrumental part of our program for more than three years, from participating in PK9H events, to helping us raise funding and awareness for retired working dogs nationwide.

K-9 TTirado, was a male Labrador Retriever trained in explosive detection for the Transportation Security Administration - TSA. He honorably served for eight years, working his first three years at Honolulu Airport,  and then transferring to Indianapolis Airport for the last five years, from where he retired. TTirado was part of the TSA Puppy Program and was the half brother to the late PK9HERO Program Member “HHoward.”

TTirado received his unique name in honor of FDNY Engine 23 Firefighter, Hector Luis Tirado Jr., that died in service on September 11th, 2001.

Over TTirado’s career, he has helped support security operations for the Indy 500, Super Bowl 52, the NCAA Final Four, the Kentucky Derby, the NFL Pro Bowl, and the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. As well as have kept millions of passengers safe during their travel through the Honolulu and Indianapolis airports.

In retirement, TTirado had several medical needs arise that we at Project K-9 Hero were honored to cover at 100%, so he could live out the retirement he had earned. TTirado was deeply loved by his Handler, and he served the citizens of United States of America with true dedication and distinction. Please join us in remembering a true Hero and help us ensure that K-9 TTirado will NEVER be FORGOTTEN!

November 23rd, 2009 - December 12th, 2025