Project K-9 Hero Welcomes First-Ever Peer Support Dog, K-9 Henry, In Retirement
[Whitwell,TN February 1st, 2024] — Project K-9 Hero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs, is delighted to announce the addition of its first-ever Peer Support Working Dog, K-9 Henry, to its program.
K-9 Henry, a seasoned Certified Crisis Response Canine and Peer Support Canine with a remarkable career spanning over 883 calls for service to major fires, earthquakes, floods, mudslides, hurricanes, shootings, plane crashes, school deaths, and critical incident debriefs since 2015, is now entering a well-deserved retirement. His admission to the organization is notable because Peer Support Canines are a somewhat recent role for dogs in law enforcement, meant specifically to give comfort and stress relief to first responders, though they might also provide comfort to victims and the public, as well. Some of Henry’s most notable response sites were to Hurricane Harvey, the Las Vegas Shooting, and the Yorba Linda plane crash.
In 2021, Henry and his Handler, Steve Booth, were named Reserve Deputy and Crisis Comfort K-9 of the Year by the Orange County Sheriff's Department in California. Also in 2021, Henry was named Professional Services Responder of the Year by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Mutual Aid Division. When not working a crisis event, Henry is a therapy dog at Kaiser - Anaheim Medical Center, where he visits the Pediatric Cancer Center.
"K-9 Henry exemplifies the dedication and service that all our K-9 Heroes bring to their communities. Welcoming him as our first-ever Peer Support Working Dog is an exciting milestone for Project K-9 Hero, and we are committed to ensuring he enjoys a comfortable and happy retirement," said Jason Johnson, Founder of Project K-9 Hero. “We want the public to know that canines serve in ways outside of the typical law enforcement jobs of apprehension, tracking, and detection. They are a much-needed comfort to first responders and no dog has yet exemplified this better than K-9 Henry.”
“Project K-9 Hero brings me a sense of well being now that I know my dog is going to be taken care of after working so hard for so long,” said K-9 Henry’s Handler, Steve Booth. “We just feel so blessed that he’s going to be supported, and we feel like we’re going to blaze a trail for other Peer Support Working Dogs to get recognition for what they’re doing for the community.”
As the 269th Program Member, K-9 Henry will have all of his veterinary office visits, consultations, surgeries, emergency needs, medicines, and prescription foods paid for at 100% for the rest of his life by Project K-9 Hero.
About Project K-9 Hero:
Project K-9 Hero is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the best quality of life for retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs by providing medical care, prescription food, and death benefit assistance, as well as rehabilitation and rehoming services, to those who need them. Our vision is to honor their unwavering dedication by creating a global environment that celebrates their heroic service. We strive to reshape perceptions, ensuring these valiant animals are revered and respected for their loyalty. Through our efforts, we aim to provide these remarkable companions with the dignified post-service life they rightfully deserve, offering access to comprehensive healthcare and advocating for a quality way of life in recognition of their selfless contributions. Learn more about us at: WWW.PROJECTK9HERO.ORG