WELCOME K-9 BRUNO

Program Member #348

Please welcome K-9 “Bruno,” as our newest Pack Member (#348) at our Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility. 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. However, K-9 Bruno developed a history of biting several handlers when trying to put him back in a patrol vehicle, when attempting to secure his reward toy back from him, and during feeding time. These severe aggression and behavioral issues led to his retirement from the government and  left him in need of a home after his service.

WELCOME K-9 ARI

Program Member #349

Please welcome retired K-9 “Ari” (A134) to the Project K-9 Hero Pack, as our 349th Program Member.

K-9 Ari, a male German Shorthaired Pointer, honorably served with the Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration - TSA - for seven years. K-9 Ari was an exceptional Passenger Screening Explosives Detection Canine, and performed his duties with distinction at the Indianapolis International Airport, as well as the Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

WELCOME K-9 OAKLEY

Program Member #350

Please welcome retired K-9 “Oakley” (Cadaver Dog) to the Project K-9 Hero Pack, as our 350th Program Member from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Department, Texas.

K-9 Oakley, an Australian Kelpie, has lived a life defined by service, courage, and loyalty. Her journey began in 2018 when she joined Alamo Search and Rescue. She later became a vital member of South Texas Search and Rescue, working alongside the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office in Falfurrias, Texas, under the leadership of Deputy Don White. In the unforgiving terrain known as “Death Valley,” Oakley tirelessly searched for missing immigrants, many of whom had perished along their journey, helping to bring long awaited closure to grieving families in Mexico and across South America.

WELCOME K-9 KATO

Program Member #351

Please welcome retired K-9 “Kato,” a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection Dog, to the Project K-9 Hero Pack, as our 351st Program Member, from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Texas.

Kato, a nine-year old Belgian Malinois, faithfully served his communtity for seven and a half years, with a highly productive career that led to over 600 Deployments and 350 Criminal Arrests. This totaled over 750 lbs of illegal narcotics being recovered, and $1.9 million dollars in seized currency. Kato was also featured on the television show Live PD on A&E, and as a contestant on America’s Top Dog in between his public relations visits to schools and with the children of the community.

K-9 Mattis

Program Member #145

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the news that K-9 Mattis reached his End of Watch.

K-9 Mattis honorably served as a Dual-Purpose Police K-9 for six years before retiring in March of 2021, specializing in Patrol Apprehension, Tracking, and Narcotics Detection. During his career, Mattis received, the Officer of the Year and Director’s Award, making him the most decorated dog in the history of the department. K-9 Mattis also has the most apprehensions and (Felony and Misdemeanor) arrests in the department’s history.

During a criminal apprehension, in which Mattis was injured during a 30-foot fall in the line of duty, he received a Purple Heart  for his actions from his agency after suffering a lacerated liver and internal bleeding.

In retirement, K-9 Mattis had several health issues, including Spondylitis and Gastrocnemius Fibrosis. Shortly after his entry into our program, we had the honor to pay for K-9 Mattis' lifesaving surgery for bloat that gave him three more years with his Handler, Mark Tappan.

It is a true honor to have been able to support this amazing team as a part of our PK9H Pack! K-9 Mattis was one of a kind. He will never be forgotten.

May 28th, 2013 - August 9, 2025

MWD Zera

Program Member #197

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we said goodbye to retired U.S. Army Military Working Dog (MWD) “Zera,” the 197th member to the Project K-9 Hero Pack.

MWD Zera was medically retired from the military due to heart arrhythmia after nine years of honorable service. MWD Zera served in the United States Army as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Explosives Detection Dog. MWD Zera completed a tour overseas in Egypt, and has had multiple weapons and munitions finds while conducting law enforcement during her assignments at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Bliss, Texas.

While serving, MWD Zera participated in over 30 U.S. Secret Service missions, protecting countless VIPs and the President, and the Vice President, of the United States. MWD Zera has supported her local community while conducting thousands of hours working law enforcement and providing force protection.

Please help us remember MWD Zera for the amazing Hero that she was. It was our honor to serve Zera with medical care in retirement!

February 1, 2009 - August 24, 2025