Building Momentum to Build Our Headquarters
Our Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility recently welcomed special guests: members of our Capital Campaign Advisory Board, an important step forward as we continue building momentum toward the future of Project K-9 Hero.
We extend sincere appreciation to Mr. Bill Bookout, Mr. Gary Jepson, Mr. Jeremy Bates, and Mr. Michael Peterson for dedicating their time and expertise to this visit. Alongside our Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors, their insight helps strengthen our efforts in fundraising, partnerships, and awareness, ensuring continued progress on our 177-acre facility.
During their visit, Advisory Board members toured the National Headquarters, observed daily operations, and witnessed rehabilitation sessions with our retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. They also received updates on key infrastructure improvements, including our underground water line, three-phase electrical system, and fiber optic network—critical advancements that bring us closer to full operational capacity.
This visit and the progress it represents was made possible by the dedication of our entire team. Special recognition is extended to Facilities Maintenance Manager Roger Haller, Facilities Maintenance Assistant Eddie Dangler, Kennel Technician Trish Garrison, K-9 Rehabilitation Specialist Garry L. Templeton, Program Services Coordinators Katelyn Johns and Chrystal Templeton, Director of Marketing Alana Grelyak, Manager of Design and Merchandise Julie Simpson, and Graphic Designer Caitlyn Smith, all under the leadership of Vice President of Operations Sheena Haller. Additional thanks to Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Smith, Vice President of Operations Sheena Haller, and Director of Development Heaven Reinert for leading the visit.
As we continue advancing our Capital Campaign, moments like this move us closer to expanding our life-saving mission. With your support, we can complete this facility and ensure even more retired K-9 Heroes receive the care they deserve
From left to right: Gary Jepson, Jeremy Bates, Bill Bookout, and Matthew Smith.
As always, we are grateful to have you in our Pack and look forward to one day giving you a tour of our new facilities when the dream becomes reality. Thank you so much for your support!
Meet K-9 Tambo
K-9 Tambo, Project K-9 Hero Program Member #203, continues to fight through ongoing medical challenges after a distinguished career in explosives detection supporting national security missions.
With lifetime medical costs already at $27,849.16, Tambo recently underwent an oncology recheck at the end of March. Although it was mostly positive news, his ultrasound showed a few changes that may be age-related. He's being monitored closely and is now on a precautionary medication.
As his needs evolve, we are actively fundraising to ensure he receives the lifelong treatment he deserves without placing that burden on his handler.
Project K-9 Hero Veterinary School Scholarships NOW OPEN
The Project K-9 Hero Veterinary School Scholarship was created to help graduate students who are currently accepted or enrolled in a post-secondary veterinary school and who support the cause of assisting retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. Each winner will receive a $2,000 award, paid directly to their educational institution of choice.
2026 APPLICATION PERIOD: March 1st - June 1st, 2026
The Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship CLOSING SOON
The Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship was created to remember the life of our founder's sister. Jodi was a smart and outgoing woman who excelled in athletics, academics, music, and community involvement. Jodi was also a lifelong animal lover who was an outspoken supporter for our work at Project K-9 Hero. Each winner will receive a $1,000 award, paid directly to their educational institution of choice.
2026 APPLICATION PERIOD: February 1st - May 15th, 2026
There's Still Time! Register for the 2nd Annual K-9 Yoube 5k Run/Walk
Take part in the 2nd Annual K-9 Yoube 5k Run/Walk, organized by Lorrie Huegel, our 2024 Volunteer of the Year. This event is put together by third parties in support of Project K-9 Hero, and in honor of our late National Ambassador, K-9 Yoube. Local 12 news posted a feature on the event with more details.
You can participate virtually or in person. Find all the details and get registered at the link below!
DATE: May 16, 2026
Shop Our Store for Spring and Summer Favorites
Brightly colored apparel, water bottles, beach towels, and more. Get all your summer apparel at our shop and feel good about supporting a cause you care about.
Stick With Us!
Show your support for America’s retired K-9 Heroes with this exclusive Project K-9 Hero Sticker Pack! Featuring five unique designs, this limited-edition set celebrates the courage, loyalty, and sacrifice of our nation’s working dogs and the mission to give them the retirement they deserve.
Stick your support on everything!
Halo Lights: Visibility Technology
We would like to highlight one of our sponsors, Halo Lights! Founded in 2015, Halo Lights, LLC specializes in developing multipurpose pet products that promote Safety, Security & Health through innovative visibility technology. Built on the belief that pets deserve to be seen and protected in every environment, HaloLights designs solutions that enhance awareness, reduce risk, and support safer experiences for pets, service animals, working dogs and their people. Halo Lights CEO Jason Johnson also serves as our CEO and his continued commitment personally and professionally helps drive meaningful support for our mission. 10% of all of Halo Lights proceeds are donated to our organization.
We are grateful for Halo Lights' continued support of our mission. Thank you!
Monster K9 Dog Toys
Now through April 21st, get $2 off any Monster K9 Dog Toys product purchased at Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply Stores. $1 from each unit sold at Murdoch's will be donated to us!
Murdoch's Round Up At The Register
Don't forget to say yes to Round Up at the Register when you shop at any Murdoch's location during the month of April. Your round ups will be donated back to our organization.
Admitted to our program in March 2026, these dogs are now lifetime members of the Project K-9 Hero Pack and will receive full medical care for the duration of their lives from our organization, thanks to you!
Don't forget to check out our BLOG, where you can read about our Program Members as soon as they join!
WELCOME SSD JAYE (Y199)
Program Member #378
Please welcome retired Military Working Dog (MWD), Specialized Search Dog (SSD) “Jaye” (Y199), as the 378th Member to our Project K-9 Hero Pack. SSD Jaye retired from the United States Marine Corps on April 15th, 2020, where she served with valor and distinction as an off-leash Explosives Detection K-9 with the USMC’s 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, Ashley Kennels, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
SSD Jaye’s active duty career spanned six years that included conducting security sweeps for the President of the United States as well as protecting her Marine Corps Base from acts of terrorism. As an off-leash detection K-9, Jaye also completed training missions with the ATF Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 (S.E.E.K.) Program, and the United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC).
WELCOME K-9 BEAR
Program Member #379
Please welcome K-9 “Bear” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 379th Program Member. Bear served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 with the Hickory Creek Police Department in Texas from 2021, until he was medically retired on March 2nd, 2026, due to being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
In his five plus years of service, K-9 Bear had 832 deployments, in which 2,380 lbs of illegal substances were found, which have led to dozens of federal and state prosecutions. K-9 Bear had located two missing children and found one elderly person with dementia, all while also capturing dozens of criminals for local, state, and federal agencies.
Unfortunately, Bear reached his EOW on April 11th.
WELCOME K-9 SPOT
Program Member #380
Please welcome retired K-9 “Spot” (Y574) to the Project K-9 Hero Pack, as our 380th Program Member.
K-9 Spot is an 11 1/2-year-old, male German Shorthaired Pointer, who honorably served with the Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration - TSA, for seven years. K-9 Spot was an exceptional Passenger Screening Canine for Explosives Detection, and performed his duties with distinction at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, in Houston, Texas, the Denver International Airport, in Colorado, and finished his career at the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), in Michigan.
WELCOME MWD NIKITA
Program Member #381
Please welcome retired Military Working Dog “Nikita” (Y493) to the Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 381st Program Member. MWD Nikita honorably served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection Dog with the United States Navy, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, for eight years between 2016-2024.
During her outstanding career working with seven different individual handlers, Nikita answered hundreds of calls for service on patrol that resulted in multiple K-9 finds, performed countless Random Antiterrorism Measures (security procedures) at the main gates to the base, and was a favorite to be used for community events due to her extremely social personality.
WELCOME K-9 RUDY
Program Member #382
Please welcome our newest Project K-9 Hero Program Member #382, Tactical K-9 “Rudy” into our Pack. K-9 Rudy faithfully served with the ATF Special Response Team (SRT) Three, out of the Dallas, Texas Field Office, as the operational replacement for K-9 Rip (PK9H #161), and where he conducted dozens of joint missions with our National Ambassador, K-9 Rikki (PK9H #287).
Born in Slovakia on July 22nd in 2020, K-9 Rudy is a highly trained Belgian Malinois who deployed throughout the United States to conduct High-Risk Search and Arrest Warrants, Undercover Operations, and Manhunts of some of the most wanted and dangerous criminals in America. Rudy has been credited with the capture or physical apprehension of some of the most violent suspects in America, to keep our country and communities safe.
We are sorry to report that we lost five Program Members in March of 2026. You can read the full posting on our blog.
MWD EROS
Program Member #138
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #138, Military Working Dog “Eros” (W457).
Eros served as a Military Working Dog in the United States Army in the greater Washington D.C. area for seven years. During his career, Eros participated in over 80 Secret Service missions, conducting explosives detection sweeps, protecting the President of the United States and other high ranking members of the U.S. Government. MWD Eros is credited with potentially saving countless American Lives throughout his service to our country.
After his service, Eros was diagnosed with several medical conditions that caused him to be on a variety of prescription medications. Eros had no home to go live out his well deserved retirement, until he was adopted by fellow Military Police Officer, Sergeant Paige Lewis.
Paige and Eros served as PK9H Ambassadors during the last five years, advocating for what Project K-9 Hero does for retired working dogs in all branches of Military Service and Police K-9s nationwide. Project K-9 Hero was absolutely honored to take care of MWD Eros and his medical needs at 100% after his faithful service to our country.
In 2021, Eros was awarded with the Project K-9 Hero Explosive Detection Dog of the Year at our K-9 Hero Awards. Please take a moment to WATCH and SHARE the video that covers his story and service.
November 3rd, 2012 - March 10th, 2026
K-9 BRUNO
Program Member #348
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member K-9 Bruno #348, from natural causes. Bruno had excelled at our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility, and had done amazing with all of our staff. Several months ago we were honored to find Bruno his forever home with a retired Law Enforcement Officer and K-9 Handler on a beautiful farm in central Tennessee.
K-9 Bruno proudly served with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the United States Department of Energy, at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. Bruno specialized in Explosives Detection, where he certified with the United States Police Canine Association over 10 times in his career.
K-9 Bruno loved pets, to hang out with people, and chew on his ball. In retirement, he found his ideal home with owners that were patient with him and gave him time to adjust to his new lifestyle.
PK9H was proud to continue to support him for life with medical care, prescription food, and end of duty assistance with his new adopted owners.
Please take a moment to honor Bruno for his service to our country. We will ensure that he will never be forgotten!
February 28th, 2017 - March 10th, 2026
MWD DODO
Program Member #270
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #270, retired Military Working Dog (MWD) "Dodo.”
MWD Dodo spent seven years assigned to the U.S. Army's 513th Military Working Dog Detachment in Fort Bliss, Texas as well as an assignment at Fort Lewis, Washington.
MWD Dodo was certified as a Patrol/Explosives Detection Dog that served with the utmost distinction during his career. Dodo deployed in support of combat operations in Syria, as well as a combat deployment to Iraq. In addition to his service overseas, he was attached to the United States Secret Service to protect the President of the United States on over ten missions.
After his last deployment to Iraq, Dodo was medically retired due to severe arthritis that has been increasingly giving him significant mobility issues. He was also diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer and Lumbosacral Disease. When Dodo retired, he went to live with his still serving active-duty Handler and her family. Dodo was in need of immediate medical attention and was on medication that costs hundreds of dollars a month. This left only two options, which is for his Handler to go into extreme personal debt, or for MWD Dodo to go without help.
Since we at Project K-9 Hero didn't want to see either of those happen, in early 2024 we placed Dodo in our program. From that day forward, PK9H helped cover all of his office visits, prescriptions, surgeries, and medical needs at 100% for the remainder of his life.
Please take a moment to help us remember and honor MWD Dodo. We were extremely proud to serve our third Hero from Fort Bliss, Texas, joining MWD Zera and MWD QQuanah in our Pack who have also both recently passed.
November 1st, 2013 - March 13th, 2026
K-9 DOC HOLLIDAY
Program Member #375
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #375, K-9 “Doc Holliday.”
Doc served as an Accelerant Detection Canine with the Columbus Fire Department, Arson/Investigations Unit, in Ohio from 2021, until he was medically retired on February 10th, 2026, due to being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
In his over five years of service, Doc was deployed and worked approximately 500 fire scenes, line-ups, and police calls for service. K-9 Doc has worked with multiple Fire and Law Enforcement agencies, conducting joint investigations throughout the State of Ohio. He was responsible for locking up countless arsonists, after he searched fire scenes to find the accelerant(s) used to start the illegal fires. Once pinpointed by Doc, it was collected and sent off to the laboratory for testing, and later used in criminal court to make a conviction.
Doc was a seven-year-old, Male Labrador/Golden/Newfoundland, who was diagnosed with Splenic Stromal Cell Sarcoma (liposarcoma), on January 20th, 2026, and immediately removed from service. Doc was undergoing a very strict and advanced holistic treatment and therapy regimen, and all of those costs had become the responsibility of his still actively serving Handler/firefighter in a monetary amount of hundreds of dollars a month, which would be a financial burden on any first responder.
Due to his very immediate medical needs, we placed K-9 Doc Holliday into our program so we could cover all future office visits, medications, supplements, acupuncture, diagnostic testing, and surgeries at 100%, for the rest of his life. We only wish we could have helped him much longer!
Please take a moment to help us honor K-9 Doc Holliday for his service to the State of Ohio and surrounding communities!
January 3rd, 2019 - March 13th, 2026
MWD TERI (X174)
Program Member #174
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #174 MWD Teri (X174.)
Teri was a retired U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog from Anchorage, Alaska. Born on Valentine's day in 2014, Teri entered our program in 2021 in need of an expensive hernia surgery, which we covered at 100%.
Since then, we've been honored to assist Teri with all of his medical and retirement needs. We are thinking of his family at this difficult time and were honored to care for him for nearly five years. He will never be forgotten.
February 14th, 2014 - March 22nd, 2026
