Please Welcome K-9 Nirvana-Alona (A237) #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. In 2021, Alona was voted TSA’s Cutest Canine as part of a national competition open to both TSA employees and the to the general public. She was featured on many local news stations in Las Vegas.
Alona was very popular among airport employees and TSA personnel. Her sassy personality and sweet disposition made her easy to love. She would often “shake” hands with her human friends as a sign of affection. She also gave hugs to those in her inner circle. Alona now resides in Houston, Texas. During her retirement she’s enjoyed rolling in the mud, splashing in the pool, and playing with her infamous red ball.
Alona was recently diagnosed with mast cell cancer. She has had a tumor removed and will need eight sessions of chemotherapy, ranging in price from $777-$2,000 per visit. Now that Alona is retired, her medical care is no longer covered by the government. Thus, causing a financial hardship on her 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 Alona go without the medical assistance she needs just because her bills were not affordable. Therefore, we were honored to step up and pay for Alona’s chemotherapy treatments, medical care, frequent office visits, necessary prescription medication, and any future diagnostic testing or surgeries for the rest of her life at 100%.
Please take a moment to welcome K-9 Alona as our 377th Pack Member. We are honored to be Protecting her, after all she has done to Protect our country!
Our Medical Fund will help ensure that we always have funding for Heroes like Alona. Please donate today to continue supporting our life-saving abilities.
