Celebrating 10 Years Together!
On March 2nd, we celebrated our 10th anniversary as an organization, and we could not have done that without you!
The past ten years have transformed a grassroots effort with a $12,800 annual budget and ten Program Members into a national organization operating with more than $6 million each year while serving 379 Program Members and counting.
To date, more than $32 million has been raised to provide lifesaving medical care, prevent euthanasia for dozens of retired K-9 Heroes, unite dogs with loving homes, and shoulder the burden of critical veterinary expenses that would otherwise fall entirely on their Handlers.
Today, we have Program Members who have worked in 48 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. One even made the journey from British Columbia, Canada to our headquarters in Whitwell, TN to receive the care he deserved.
Progress like this only happens because of steadfast supporters who believe these Heroes should never be left behind. Our partnership with you ensures the next decade brings even more second chances.
Please join us in celebrating our ten years together by reading about some of our proudest moments and milestones.
As always, we are grateful to have you in our Pack and look forward to another decade together! Keep reading for more K-9 Hero news.
Meet K-9 Bear
K-9 Bear is one of our newest Program Members. He was medically retired on March 9th, 2026, following an aggressive cancer diagnosis and was already in the ICU battling pneumonia when we stepped in to cover his care at 100%.
In just over a week, Project K-9 Hero provided $12,716.18 for his lifesaving treatment and surgery, and today, Bear is home recovering with his family, fighting to regain his strength.
Will you help ensure Bear continues to receive the care he needs on his road to recovery?
Project K-9 Hero Veterinary School Scholarship
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
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
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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!
NEW: Woobie Hoodie Tiger Stripe Camo Zip-Up Collection
Inspired by the legendary military poncho liner, the Woobie Hoodie Tiger Stripe Camo, Full-Front Zip-Up Collection brings timeless utility into everyday comfort. Built for warmth without the weight, each hoodie in this collection delivers lightweight insulation, durability, and a relaxed fit that moves with you whether you’re training, traveling, or just taking it easy.
Available in Standard Edition (without hidden back trainer pocket) and Trainer Edition (includes the hidden back trainer pocket, which is perfect for discreetly carrying treats, toys, tugs, or leashes while working your dog). Limited stock available!
NEW: MPC Lenny Collection
We are proud to partner with Nine Line Apparel on this new design featuring MPC Lenny. Five dollars from every sale comes back to our organization to support our K-9 Heroes.
This design features Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) "Lenny," our 341st Program Member. He spent six years assigned to the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). It was released to honor our retired military working dogs for K-9 Veterans Day.
Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply
Upcoming April Round-up
Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply is honoring Project K-9 Hero once again by making us the recipient of their April 2026 Round-Up campaign. All customers will have the chance to donate to our K-9 Heroes when making a purchase at brick and mortar Murdoch's stores in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Nebraska.
We are grateful for Murdoch's continued support. They have been champions of our organization since 2024 and generously continue to help provide for our Program Members and their family. Thank you, Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply!
Pet MATRX
If you shop at PET MATRX from now until the end of March, you get 10% off your order plus 10% of all sales come back to PK9H and our retired working dogs.
Want to make an even bigger impact?
PetMatRx created a limited-edition Project K-9 Hero hoodie, and 100% of the proceeds from hoodie sales go directly back to Project K-9 Hero.
Use code K9HERO at checkout to let them know you support our organization!
Summit Animal Health
We’ve partnered with Summit Animal Health to bring you trusted health products for your furry companions. When you shop using our affiliate link, 30% of your purchase goes directly to support Project K-9 Hero, at no extra cost to you. Plus, you enjoy 20% off your order with coupon code PK9H20.
Admitted to our program in February 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 K-9 BRIT
Program Member #374
Please welcome retired K-9 “Brit” to the Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 374th Program Member.
K-9 Brit is a 5 1/2 year old male Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix, who honorably served with the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office for four years before he was severely injured while still on active duty. K-9 Brit was fetching his reward toy from his Handler, and when he leaped in the air to grab it, he landed awkwardly on his right rear leg, causing a compound fracture. A rod was required to be placed inside of Brit’s leg, along with four screws to hold it in place.
The incident forced Brit into an early medical retirement.
WELCOME K-9 DOC HOLLIDAY
Program Member #375
Please welcome K-9 “Doc Holliday” to our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 375th Program Member. 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.
WELCOME MWD PENGE (A160)
Program Member #376
Please welcome Retired Military Working Dog “Penge” (A160) into our Project K-9 Hero Pack as our 376th Program Member.
MWD Penge was retired recently from the United States Air Force due to long-term medical issues stemming from osteoarthritis with joint effusion, hip dysplasia, and arthritis.
However, a history of behavioral issues, specifically severe muzzle and food pan aggression, hindered the ability to safely transport him, resulting in his inability to be adopted out to the general public.
He as facing euthanasia if Project K-9 Hero did not accept him.
WELCOME K-9 NIRVANA-ALONA (A237)
Program Member #377
Please welcome retired K-9 “Nirvana-Alona” (A237) to the Project K-9 Hero Pack, as our 377th Program Member.
K-9 Nirvana-Alona is a 9-year-old female Golden Retriever who honorably served with the Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration - TSA, for seven years. K-9 Nirvana-Alona was an exceptional Explosives Detection Canine, and performed her duties with distinction at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Nirvana-Alona, affectionately known as Alona, was named after a 9/11 victim, Alona Abraham, as part of a TSA puppy program meant to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks. Alona and her Handler, Vanessa, were paired in the summer of 2018 and have been inseparable ever since.
We are glad to say that we did not lose any of our Program Members during the month of February 2026.