Make your end-of-year gift count. Be a part of getting us to Yoube's $100,000 goal!
Project K-9 Hero is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
Sometimes Heroes Need Help, Too.
It costs, on average, $4,000 per year to care for one K-9 Hero. Sometimes, when they require major surgeries or other life-saving procedures, it can cost much, much more. Your support means families of retired K-9 Heroes can focus on giving their dogs the love they deserve, without the burden of overwhelming medical costs.
For far less than you would pay for a daily cup of coffee, you could bring comfort to a retired K-9 Hero in need. Please donate today because it is your generosity that ensures we can continue providing the care these Heroes have earned through their service.
Read more about some of our other Heroes by clicking their photo:
Meet K-9 Yoube
K-9 Yoube is an eleven-year-old Dutch Shepherd retired Narcotics Detection K-9. She is our third National Ambassador and 109th Program Member, having followed in the pawsteps of our first two National Ambassadors, Flash and Axel. Yoube came to us from the Chattanooga Police Department K-9 Unit. She was separated from her Handler and had nowhere to go. After nearly four years of service to our organization, she lost her ability to walk. This is her story.
One summer evening, K-9 Yoube was spending time with our CEO, Jason Johnson, when her leg suddenly went numb. We initially thought she had overdone it playing in the yard—there's nothing Yoube loves more than chasing her ball—but it quickly turned into much, much more. Within hours, she lost feeling in both legs and was unable to walk.
Jason rushed her to the Veterinary Care and Specialty Group in Chattanooga, where doctors found a tumor on her spine requiring immediate surgery. The procedure was critical, but the uncertainty of whether she’d ever walk again was agonizing. Weeks later, Yoube returned home using an assistive sling and a wheel cart, her future still uncertain.
Then, one day, she moved her leg. Running in her cart, chasing her ball, her back legs began to kick. With daily rehab, Yoube made an incredible recovery—going from immobility in August to walking on her own by October.
Then, she had a setback. In November, Yoube began to experience more difficulties, including a wound that wouldn't heal and a regression in her back legs. But she hasn't given up, and neither have we. She continues to fight to regain her mobility, and we continue to fight along with her.
Yoube lives at our Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility for Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs in Tennessee. She is very special to our staff.
Update: Yoube's fight came to an end on December 13th. Read our Founder's message below in the December 13th update.
Yoube's total medical expenses are over $38,000.
Yoube had an amazing team of professionals to help her walk again after being paralyzed. But the only reason she was able to have that chance was because of supporters like you. Without your support, no funding would have been available to help our K-9 Hero through her time of hardship. We hope that you'll make a tax-deductible, year-end gift to ensure no K-9 Hero ever has to choose between life and finances.
"I have never in my life seen a dog who just smiled through it all, nonstop, and possess this level of attitude when she literally can’t walk or stand up on her own. Yoube is an inspiration to all living beings that you are NEVER OUT OF THE FIGHT!"
-Jason Johnson, Founder
Yoube's wound requires daily care. We are taking her to the vet every day to get her the treatment she needs. She comes home in the evening to eat and get cuddles and love from Jason and our staff.
Yoube is currently in the ICU, with an extremely aggressive case of pneumonia.
From our Founder, Jason Johnson:
First and foremost, I want to personally thank each and every one of you who reached out to me about the passing of K-9 Yoube Friday evening. To clarify, I was able to make it back to her, and spend her final moments with me holding her paw. Also, our PK9H staff and some of her former colleagues from the PD, had a chance to come by and see her that day/evening before I flew in from the west coast to say goodbye.
Once I got there, she was extremely tired. She barely perked up when they wheeled her in the room to me. You could see she recognized my presence, but didn’t even have the strength to wag her tail. It was definitely time to let her rest, as her fight was complete. Making these decisions is something that I don’t take lightly, and unfortunately in my position, it is something I am called upon to do much more often than I would prefer. However, when making the call for our National Ambassador, I felt with every inch of my heart it was definitely Yoube’s time, as she was struggling to breathe and couldn’t be fed, even through her tube.
I made many promises to her before she went. I promised that we would carry on her legacy everyday at Project K-9 Hero. Her song and children’s book are in their final phases. While it’s sad she won’t be here to see their success, she doesn’t need to see it, she lived it! I promised her that I will never let her hard work be forgotten, and all of the initiatives we started together, like our Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility, I will see through completion. I also promised her that I would make sure that K-9 Rikki, would fill her paws and take over her role as our National Ambassador.
For just over the last four years, Yoube and I did so many great things together. She had the responsibility when I selected her for this role, to live up to the legacies of K-9 Flash and K-9 Axel. I can certainly say with all my heart that she did that and then some. One day, there will be a life size statue of Yoube right along side those two at PK9H HQ, as she has fully earned it!
Over the last few days there has been a few thousand of positive comments, messages, texts, phone calls, and emails. Many that I haven’t even had a chance to read yet. Yoube was loved by many, and she inspired others to fight through their own issues. That is Yoube’s legacy, and what made her one of the most beloved Police K-9s in the world! Thank you all again, and we will ensure that K-9 Yoube is Never Forgotten!
K-9 Dozer’s Journey: From Service to Advocacy
Project K-9 Hero proudly welcomed retired Police K-9 Dozer as our 268th Program Member in January of 2024. Dozer’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and hope for change—a story that highlights the profound bond between Police K-9s and the communities they serve.
At just four years old, K-9 Dozer had already achieved a remarkable career as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 with the Grand Rapids Police Department. His work helped protect countless lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and beyond. Tragically, Dozer’s career was cut short in August 2023 when a speeding vehicle struck his patrol car while responding to a crime in progress. The collision caused a life-threatening spinal injury that initially left him paralyzed.
Through months of dedicated physical therapy and neurological treatment, Dozer defied expectations and regained the use of his back legs, though he now walks with a pronounced limp. Despite his incredible recovery, it was determined that he could no longer perform the demanding duties of a Police K-9. On January 16, 2024, Dozer officially retired from active duty, marking the start of a new chapter in his life.
While Dozer’s service career has ended, his legacy continues to inspire. Project K-9 Hero is committed to covering 100% of his medical care for the rest of his life. This includes ongoing physical therapy, neurological evaluations, routine veterinary visits, surgeries, medications, and prescription food. Supporting Dozer in his retirement is the least we can do for a Hero who has given so much to his community and the State of Michigan.
Beyond his retirement, K-9 Dozer has become the symbol of an important legislative effort in Michigan. Over the last several months, Project K-9 Hero has collaborated with Dozer’s Handler, Teddy VanVliet, and Michigan State Representative Jennifer Conlin from House District 48, to advocate for stronger legal protections for Police K-9s. Their efforts focus on “Dozer’s Law,” two proposed bills, HB6042 and HB6043, that aim to appropriately charge and prosecute individuals who injure or kill police animals during the commission of a crime, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
These bills were recently submitted to Representative Kara Hope, Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee. She has until December 31, 2024, to decide whether to bring the bills to the House floor for a vote. This legislation is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of Police K-9s, protecting them for generations to come.
If you are a resident of of Michigan, your voice matters. We need your help to urge Representative Hope to support this crucial legislation. By emailing, calling, or writing her office, you can play a direct role in making Dozer’s Law a reality. Visit our website for a simple guide on how to contact her office, sample language for your correspondence, and more information about Dozer’s inspiring story.
If you aren’t a resident of Michigan, you can actively help by supporting Dozer’s well being with a gift to our End-of-Year fund. We appreciate anything you can offer.
Dozer’s journey from active duty to advocacy is a testament to the strength and courage of Police K-9s. His story is a reminder of the sacrifices these Heroes make every day and the responsibility we all share to protect and honor them.
K-9 Castle: A Hero’s Journey to a Fur-Ever Home
Project K-9 Hero was honored to rehome retired Police K-9 Castle, our 276th Program Member, to a very special adopter. Castle’s new owner is a Police Officer and U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served alongside Castle at the Gallatin Police Department in Tennessee. Their reunion is a testament to the unbreakable bond between Police Officers and the K-9s that work alongside them. Castle’s journey to our 177-acre Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility in Tennessee began in March 2024 when he retired from duty.
After a distinguished six-year career as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9, Castle found himself without a permanent home. Both of his previous Handlers had toddlers in their households, and Castle’s aggression around strangers and other dogs made it unsafe for him to stay in those environments. Recognizing these challenges, the Gallatin Police Department entrusted us with Castle’s care, knowing we could provide the support he needed during this transition.
At our facility, Castle quickly adapted to his new surroundings. He enjoyed walking the trails, exercising in our open areas, and settling into his custom indoor/outdoor kennel—a space that previously housed Military Working Dog Rosso. Despite his history of aggression, Castle excelled in our program, demonstrating his resilience and willingness to adapt. While he requires a structured environment and an experienced handler, he thrived under the consistent care of our dedicated staff.
Castle’s past is marked by bravery and dedication. During his service at the Gallatin Police Department, he was on the scene when Officer Hobdy was shot in the line of duty. This critical incident forged a unique bond between the two. When Officer Hobdy learned of Castle’s retirement and his challenges in finding a suitable home, he reached out to us, expressing his deep connection with Castle and his desire to provide him with a loving environment. Over several months, Officer Hobdy worked tirelessly to create a safe and suitable home for Castle.
In September, we were overjoyed to reunite Castle with Officer Hobdy. The reunion was a rare and perfect fit for everyone involved. Castle now has a home where he is understood, loved, and given the care he so richly deserves. Officer Hobdy’s dedication to creating a safe space for Castle—after all they had been through together—is a powerful example of the commitment between K-9s and their owners.
Throughout his career, Castle made 178 arrests, serving the State of Tennessee with distinction and courage. Now, as a retired Hero, he will continue to receive the support he needs. Project K-9 Hero will cover Castle’s medical expenses for the rest of his life, ensuring that his transition to retired life is as comfortable as possible.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Gallatin Police Department for trusting us with Castle’s rehabilitation and rehoming. Moments like these highlight the mission of Project K-9 Hero: to honor and care for America’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. We are also grateful to all of our supporters and donors like you, because this was only made possible through your generosity.
Welcoming K-9 Tika to the Project K-9 Hero Pack
Project K-9 Hero admitted our 293rd Program Member, K-9 Tika, in July. A true Hero, Tika served as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection K-9 with the Richland County Sheriff's Department in Columbia, South Carolina, from 2013 to 2017. Her exceptional dedication and courage during her four years of service were nothing short of inspiring. Tika’s tireless work took dangerous criminals off the streets and removed countless amounts of illegal narcotics from her community.
Following her retirement, Tika lived a well-earned, happy, and healthy life with her Handler, Deputy Stacy Parish. However, her peaceful retirement was disrupted on July 21, 2024, when Tika was rushed to the emergency room after becoming lethargic and unable to walk. The veterinary team diagnosed her with life-threatening abdominal issues and ulcers, requiring immediate surgery to save her life. Her Handler was initially required to deposit $7,300 upfront.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Project K-9 Hero was contacted by Tika’s Handler, members of her community, and fellow deputies. Understanding the urgency, our team quickly reviewed Tika’s case and spoke with the medical staff at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care (SCVSEC). The veterinary team confirmed that Tika had a chance of survival with the proper care and follow-up treatment, despite the extensive costs.
We officially inducted K-9 Tika into our program and committed to covering 100% of her medical expenses. Our team worked with SCVSEC to reverse the initial charges and take on the financial responsibility for Tika’s life-saving care. Thanks to a generous $5,000 grant from Petco Love, we were able to partially offset the mounting costs.
Over five critical days in the emergency room, Tika’s condition stabilized. By July 25, her medical bills had reached $16,204.67, and her recovery was ongoing. On July 26, Tika showed promising signs of improvement—eating small amounts of food, including tuna, and preparing for discharge based on her blood levels. After five days of intensive care, Tika returned home to continue her recovery with her loving Handler. In total, Project K-9 Hero paid $18,780.66 to save Tika’s life.
K-9 Tika’s story exemplifies the importance of organizations like Project K-9 Hero and the incredible support from our partners and donors. Through this collaborative effort, we removed the overwhelming financial burden from her Handler, allowing her to focus solely on Tika’s recovery. As Tika continues to heal at home, we are committed to providing the follow-up care she needs to regain her strength.
Tika’s bravery, both in service and in fighting for her life, is a testament to her heroism. We are honored to stand by her side and ensure she receives the care she deserves.
If Tika’s story has touched your heart, we invite you to support our End-of-Year Fund. Your donations make it possible for us to help Heroes like Tika and their families when they need us most. Together, we can continue to honor their service and provide them with the life-saving care they deserve.