K-9 Henry

Program Member #269

It is with an extremely heavy  heart that we share in the passing of K-9 “Henry,” our first-ever Peer Support K-9, pack member #269, from medical complications.

K-9 Henry was also the first-ever Peer Support Working Dog at Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA, and he left a positive long-lasting impact on thousands of first responders! K-9 Henry first certified as a therapy dog in 2015, then a Crisis Response Canine in 2016, and finally a Peer Support K-9 in 2017.

K-9 Henry has answered over 883 calls for service during his six year career. He responded to major crises such as fires, earthquakes, floods, shootings, plane crashes, and more. Some notable instances include the Tubbs Fire, the Thomas Fire, the Paradise Fire, the Montecito Mudslides, Hurricane Harvey, the Las Vegas Shooting, and the Yorba Linda Plane Crash.

Peer Support is focused on assisting first responders dealing with traumatic incidents. Henry's impact goes even further, extending comfort to victims of tragedies by attending events like candlelight vigils to help bring solace to those affected by crisis.

In retirement, K-9 Henry was receiving treatment for severe arthritis in his hips and back legs. He was on a multitude of medications and supplements that cost hundreds of dollars a month. As the 269th Program Member, we at PK9H were honored to pay for all of K-9 Henry’s veterinary office visits, consultations, surgeries, emergency needs, medications, and prescription food at 100%.

K-9 Henry's journey was not just a story of service; it's a testament to the evolving roles of canines in supporting the emotional well-being of those who serve and protect our communities. As pioneers in this field, Henry and his Handler have paved the way for the recognition and care of Peer Support Working Dogs, acknowledging their pivotal role in maintaining the mental health of our nation’s First Responder Heroes.

Please take a moment to remember K-9 Henry as the absolute legend that he was! We as an organization couldn’t be any more proud to have had this Hero as our first-ever Peer Support K-9! Rest in Peace Henry, we will Never let you be Forgotten!

February 28th, 2013 - May 12th, 2026

K-9 Kazaan

Program Member #121

It is with an extremely heavy heart  that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #121, K-9 “Kazaan,” from a stroke that he unfortunately couldn’t overcome.

Kazaan honorably served as a dual-purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 at the Richland County Sheriff's Department in South Carolina and was a member of our Pack for over five years. When Kazaan entered PK9H, he was in desperate need of blood transfusions after he contracted ehrlichiosis from a tick bite and was in the chronic stages of that disease. The blood transfusions were very costly, but we at Project K-9 Hero were proud to cover his medical care at 100% to give him an additional five years with his Handler and Family.

“It was because of Project K-9 Hero that he was able to be with us these extra years!” stated his owner, former Deputy and K-9 Handler Chad Rains.

We at PK9H will ensure that Kazaan is Never Forgotten, and we were honored to see that he got the medical care that he deserved after his service to our Country, and the State of South Carolina!

September 6th, 2012 - May 19th, 2026