SSD Xandi

Program Member #182

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report the passing of U.S. Army Specialized Search Dog (SSD) “Xandy,” our 182nd member of the Project K-9 Hero Pack.

SSD Xandy was medically retired from the military due to diagnosed PTSD, after seven years of service. Xandy completed two combat tours, supporting Special Operations to include the elite U.S. Marines Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), and the 3rd and 5th U.S. Army Special Forces Group, as an Explosive Detection K-9. SSD Xandy has also been tasked with protecting the President and the Vice President of the United States on multiple assignments.

We at PK9HERO were honored to serve SSD Xandy in retirement, and we will ensure that Xandy’s legacy is Never Forgotten!

June 12, 2009 - November 10, 2024

MWD RRODDIE (R881)

Program Member #176

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the loss of retired Military Working Dog “RRoddie” (R881). This amazing Hero was the 176th member of our Project K-9 Hero Pack, and he was highly involved as an Ambassador for our nonprofit organization.

MWD Rroddie was retired from the United States Army, where he completed three combat tours, two in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/ Explosive Detection K-9.

During Rroddie’s eight year career, he was attached to multiple U.S. Army Special Forces Teams (ODA) while in Afghanistan . Rroddie also served with the Special Operations Task Force 1 in to Iraq , attached to the SPMAGTF-USMC. MWD Rroddie completed over two dozen USSS (Secret Service) missions both internationally and domestically. He was responsible for protecting the President of the United States in Montenegro, Chile, Columbia, Philippines, Korea, and in countless cities across the USA !

In retirement, MWD Rroddie was diagnosed with Vestibular Syndrome (seizures), and just underwent a Splenectomy due to a large mass found on the spleen. This required numerous veterinary office visits and prescription medications that were no longer covered by the Government or the U.S. Military.

RRoddie was a Hero’s Hero and he will be certainly be missed by all that loved him globally, and especially, by his Handler, Paul, and his family. We were honored to provide care for him during his time of need and we will never let this Hero be forgotten. Thank you, Rroddie, for your service.

June 1st, 2010 - November 18th, 2024

K-9 KODA

Program Member #133

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of K-9 Koda.

June 11th, 2021, was the date given for Koda to be euthanized. His handler was given three weeks by the department to find an alternative for Koda. Twenty-four hours before K-9 Koda was to be put down, he found Project K-9 Hero.

Since that time he spent exactly 882 days at our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility, receiving 24/7 care from our staff, working on his triggers and socialization.

On November 10th, 2023, we found the perfect family for Koda, and he was able to truly spend just over the last year of his life in a loving home, enjoying the retirement that he had earned.

Koda honorably served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 for a small department outside of St. Paul, Minnesota for four years. He had six physical apprehensions, two of which where he was assaulted by the assailant. Koda had numerous non-physical apprehensions, as well as narcotic finds, in service of his community.

During his career, Koda had four unwarranted bites, all of which were attributed to anxiety and pain-related issues away from work. This caused for his early retirement, and the decision to schedule his euthanasia by the administration. It was ultimately the increasing pain, that was associated with his Patrol Car being rammed with him inside of it while on duty, that brought him to a place he simply could no longer overcome through medication, treatment, or surgery.

It was an our privilege to give you a second chance at life, and allow you to live an additional 3 1/2 years with Dignity and Respect!

March 20th, 2015 - November 19th, 2024

K-9 Krank

Program Member #291

This month, we tearfully said goodbye to retired Police K-9 “Krank," who was living with us at our Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility. Krank served with honor and distinction for five years as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 with three separate agencies in the south/central area of Florida.

A behavioral issue surrounding his ability to continue to successfully work had developed and worsened over time, which led him to an early retirement. Krank had the ability to be very social, but was extremely protective of his reward toy, which  led to multiple bite incidents to the point that he was potentially facing euthanasia, if Project K-9 Hero not been able to accept him in our program.

K-9 Krank’s Handler drove him to our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility from Florida to transition him into our care. Once we understood and learned all of his triggers, K-9 Krank quickly took a liking to our staff, walking trails, exercise area, and his new custom indoor/outdoor kennel. We commend both his Handler and the Command Staff for wanting the best life for Krank.

Unfortunately, Krank's second chance at life was cut short due to medical issues that he was unable to overcome. We did our best for him, but his veterinarians ultimately recommended euthanasia to end his suffering. We are honored that we were able to give him several more months of life in a comfortable place where he was valued and cared for and will never be forgotten.  We thank him for his service to our communities.

January 1st, 2017 - November 26th, 2024

K-9 Grim

Program Member #159

On the eve of Thanksgiving, we received news from K-9 Grim’s Handler that he was rushed to the ER where fluid was discovered around his heart and lungs. We worked with the staff at the ER, and his Handler, to assist in any way possible and cover all associated costs.

Unfortunately, there was nothing more anyone could do that night, and we regret to inform everyone we lost Project K-9 Hero #159 to complications of Lung Cancer.

As of November, Grim would have been in our Pack for three years, where we initially spent over $7k to save his life at that time. It was an honor to serve this Hero, who was extremely active, and also attended our events as an Ambassador, like Performers for Paws in Nashville.

K-9 Grim certainly will be missed by many, but by no one more than his Handler, Michael Messer, and his family.  Thank you, K-9 Grim. We will NEVER let you be FORGOTTEN!

February 26th, 2019 - November 27th, 2024