A working dog might have a career within a branch of the military or police department detecting narcotics, explosives or tracking criminals. Others lend their nose, sight or hearing to search and rescue, or provide therapy for those with physical, social, emotional and cognitive challenges.
Most dogs endure multiple tours of duty and years of service to their country stateside or aboard. Some come back having lost limbs and others give their lives in service.
Due to the high intensity of their jobs, these K-9s experience wear and tear that normal pets do not and this can cause them to retire early with complicated injuries or conditions. Those who retire from a working dog career require more extensive care in retirement.
"What most people don't know is there are NO funds available to take care of these retired heroes once they get out of service. There's no government or public program in place to help pay for their medial bills, their food, or their end of duty services," Jason Johnson of Project K-9 Hero said.
Many times the burden of medical care falls on the K-9 handler or worse is not covered at all. Unfortunately the U.S. military and government does not currently recognize their incredible service with additional support in retirement, but we at Project K-9 Hero do.
Thankfully, Project K-9 Hero fills this gap and ensures the best quality of life for these heroes by providing assistance with medical costs, food and end-of-duty services. "These K-9 heroes spent their entire careers protecting us so we'll spend the rest of ours protecting them," Jason continues.
Project K-9 Hero is dedicated to making sure no retired police K-9 or military working dog ever goes without medical care just because no funds are available to them.
We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about our cause! We have a variety of roles available. Please reach out through this form to sign up to volunteer with Project K-9 Hero.
All purchases support our mission of helping retired K-9s with food, medical care, and end-of-duty services. You'll feel good knowing your wardrobe supports the Project K-9 Hero cause.
"They do amazing work! I work in veterinary oncology and get the chance to witness their work first hand."
- Tiffany Michelle Blackburn
"This is a great cause for those pups who have worked endless hours and no longer have help from their departments or the military to care for these aging cuties."
- J.R. Ani