K-9 Houdini

Program Member #148

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the sad news that we lost Project K-9 Hero Program Member #148, K-9 Houdini, in his sleep.

Houdini served as an Explosives Detection K-9 at both LAX and Detroit Metro Airport protecting countless lives of American and International Travelers. He was fortunate to spend his retirement with his Handler and her family in Michigan, going on one last camping adventure this weekend with them, before saying goodbye with dignity and honor.

Please take a moment to thank K-9 Houdini for his dedicated service to our nation. We at PK9H were honored to serve Houdini in retirement with medical care, and we will ensure that he is never forgotten!

November 13th, 2010 - June 7th 2025

K-9 Maggie

Program Member #260

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the news that Project K-9 Hero Program Member #260, K-9 Maggie, passed away at 16 years old. K-9 Maggie was our very first recipient from the State of South Dakota!

Maggie served as an Accelerant Detection K-9 (ADC) with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. She was South Dakota's first ADC K-9 that was trained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. She responded to hundreds of fire scenes across South Dakota and the upper Midwestern United States.

K-9 Maggie responded to four National Response Team ATF callouts in South Dakota. She was able to find evidence in multiple fire scenes that led to the arrest of numerous individuals. Maggie faithfully and honorably served South Dakota for a decade before retiring. She also conducted numerous public demonstrations to hundreds of people educating them on role K-9s played in fire investigation.

Regardless of Maggie’s exemplary service to our government, communities, and to the overall safety of the American  Public, all of her medical costs were the responsibility of her Handler once she retired.

Maggie was diagnosed with a severe case of Degenerative Bone Disease in her back that affected her mobility, specifically in her rear legs. She was on expensive prescription medication for this disease for the last few years of her life. Maggie also required an oral pain medication and a bi-monthly shot to help her with her mobility. Thankfully, PK9HERO was proud to cover all of her office visits, medications, and surgeries at 100% once she entered our program in 2023.

Please take a moment to say goodbye to K-9 Maggie. PK9H was so honored to protect you after all you have done to protect your community, the State of South Dakota, and the United States of America.

April 9th, 2009 - June 10th 2025

K-9 Rusty

Program Member #152

It is with extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Member #152, “K-9 Rusty,” due to health complications.

Rusty was our 2021 K-9 Hero Awards Tracking and Trailing Dog of the Year! His accomplishments and resume are so distinguished that it is impossible to put his legacy into words. Rather we offer you this amazing video of his story to remember Rusty and the mark he left on his agency (Greenville County Sheriff's Office), the State of South Carolina, and the world!

Please keep his Handler, Chris Robinson, and his family in your thoughts as we at PK9H will ensure that Rusty is #NeverForgotten!

July 4th, 2011 - June 16th, 2025

K-9 Marek

Program Member #321

It is with extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Member #321, “K-9 Marek,” due to health complications.

K-9 Deputy Marek honorably served with the Rockland Maine Police Department, from 2019 to 2024, as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9.

K-9 Marek spent five years serving as the only certified K-9 in his entire county, helping keep its citizens safe from dangerous criminals. Throughout his career, Marek participated over 300 deployments, resulting in many criminal finds, over a kilo of narcotics found, and the recovery of many lost hunters, hikers, and elderly people. Marek also responded to calls for service while on patrol, and participated in community demonstrations for schools, youth programs, and public relations events.

In retirement, Marek was diagnosed a fused vertebrae that caused him to medically leave service early. This condition had greatly affected his rear legs, and we were honored to assist in taking care of his medical bills while he battled these issues as one of our Program Members.

Please keep his Handler, Tim Davis, and his family in your thoughts. As we at PK9H will ensure that Marek is never forgotten.

November 17th, 2017 - June 16th, 2025