MWD Elute

Program Member #132

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report the passing of long time Project K-9 Hero Program Member #132, U.S. Air Force Retired Military Working Dog “Elute.”

We were honored to have served Elute for almost five years. This Hero lived past the age of 15 and had an amazing retirement with his Handler, Catherine Lund.

She sent this message for our organization about the tragic loss of her partner: “Elute has passed this morning. He went very peacefully and I was able to hold him until his last breath. I want to thank you again for not only accepting Elute in your program when I had no where else to turn but keeping your promise all these years and covering his expenses at 100%. Without you and your mission, Elute would not have lived as long as he did and would not have been able to be comfortable in his last few months of life. I feel so blessed to be able to have spent so much time with him after he retired. I will most likely never have a dog like him again. Thank you, endlessly, from Elute and me for your mission and dedication to it.”

Rest in Peace MWD Elute. We at PK9H will NEVER let you be Forgotten!

April 27th, 2012 - June 5th, 2026

K-9 Ranger

Program Member #220

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of our 220th Project K-9 Hero Program Member, K-9 Ranger, from his ongoing health issues and complications.

K-9 Ranger served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 with the Washougal Police Department for nearly 10 years.

K-9 Ranger was assigned to the Southwest Washington Regional SWAT (special weapons and tactics) team for five years, and the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force for 2.5 years, in addition to his local patrol work.

Throughout his career, Ranger had more than 600 patrol deployments, 750 narcotic deployments, and numerous tracks that resulted in the capture of dangerous suspects and some of the country’s most wanted criminals.

One of Ranger’s most notable captures came after a young child had been struck and injured by a car, where the driver fled the scene into a hillside. The suspect buried themselves in a hole and was completely covered, until K-9 Ranger was deployed and located them without incident. This arrest by K-9 Ranger made national news coverage across the country.

Project K-9 Hero was proud to support Ranger over the last 3 1/2 years with veterinary visits, medications, surgeries, and food at 100%.

Rest In Peace, K-9 Ranger, you were a true Hero! PK9H salutes you after all you have done to protect your community and our country.

June 22nd, 2011 - June 8th, 2026

K-9 Breston

Program Member #392

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Pack Member #392, K-9 “Breston,” from medical complications surrounding his cancer diagnosis.

Breston honorably served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 with the Frisco Police Department in Texas, from 2017 until he retired on June 5th, 2024.

In his seven years of service, Breston was the most accomplished K-9, per stats and awards, in Frisco Police Department history. Breston had hundreds of narcotics finds and arrests for not just Frisco PD, but he also had assisted dozens of surrounding agencies when called upon. Breston had countless successful tracks of dangerous suspects, and the only bite apprehension in Frisco Police history. Breston had been a part of, and directly linked to, countless narcotics trafficking-related seizures of vehicles and large cash amounts.

In 2023, Breston competed in the Next Level K9 Texas competition, which had 25 other K-9 teams. Breston took first place as the overall K-9 team, and he was awarded first place in Patrol Apprehension.

Breston was a full member of his Handler’s family, and went everywhere they went in his retirement. When his Handler received the news of the tragic diagnosis, he immediately took personal leave to spend every second he could with his partner and his Hero! We at PK9H were honored to cover Breston’s medical costs for his very appreciative Handler, which was a monetary amount that would have been a financial burden on any actively serving Police Officer.

Please take a moment to honor K-9 Breston after all he has done to protect the State of Texas and surrounding Dallas/Fort Worth Communities.

April 26th, 2016 - June 22nd, 2026

K-9 A.C. (K-160)

Program Member #364

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report on the passing of Project K-9 Hero Pack Member #364, K-9 “A.C.” (K-160).

K-9 A.C. was a 12-year-old male Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix who honorably served with the Norfolk, VA Police Department for five years, from 2016-2021. K-9 A.C. was a Dual-Purpose Patrol Apprehension/Explosives Detection Dog that was certified through the Virginia Police Work Dog Association in both disciplines.

During his career, A.C. was deployed several hundred times, and was responsible for several high-risk finds, as well as physical apprehensions. K-9 A.C. was attached to Norfolk PD’s Special Operations Team, Fugitive Unit, and the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force regularly. In addition, A.C. performed several preemptive Explosives Detection sweeps for dozens of Political, Military, and NATO Dignitaries visiting Joint Force Command Headquarters in Norfolk.

Please take a moment to remember and honor K-9 A.C. for the Hero that he was. We were honored to Protect him, after all that he has done to Protect our country!

May 4th, 2014 - June 29th, 2026