Please Welcome K-9 Ari #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.
Beyond his normal day-to-day operations supporting the safety of the traveling public at the Indianapolis and Chicago airports, K-9 Ari has directly supported events like multiple runnings of the Indianapolis 500, Super Bowl LVIII, and several NCAA events. He is extremely active in highlighting the importance of explosives detection canines in maintaining public safety through social media platforms, as well as through television appearances.
During his working career, Ari was diagnosed with having a low thyroid, leading him to be cold and lethargic at times, and prone to having some mild hair loss. Also during K-9 Ari’s last three years of service, he had been struggling with some front joint pain that has caused him to be put on the sidelines from work for short periods of time and medicated until he was able to be active again. The combination of these two medical issues led to his early retirement on April 17th, 2025.
Now that Ari is retired, his medical care is no longer covered by the government. Thus, causing a financial hardship on his Handler, who is also still actively serving as a K-9 Handler. We understand that the cost of veterinary care is expensive, especially for an active government employed family. The very last thing we at Project K-9 Hero want to see is Ari go without the medical assistance he needs just because his bills were not affordable. Therefore, we were honored to step up immediately and pay for Ari’s medical care, frequent office visits, necessary prescription medication, and any future diagnostic testing or surgeries for the rest of his life at 100%.
Please take a moment to welcome K-9 Ari as our 349th Pack Member, as he joins his brother K-9 TTirado (PK9H #196), who will be turning 16 in November. We are honored to be protecting both of them, after all they have done to protect our country!
Our Capital Campaign will help ensure that we always have a place to stay for Heroes like Ari. Please donate today to continue supporting our life-saving abilities.
