Project K-9 Hero Receives $5,000 Grant from Petco Love to Support Lifesaving Care for Retired Working Dogs
Chilly Sky and her Handler
WHITWELL, Tenn. — Project K-9 Hero is proud to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from Petco Love in support of the organization’s mission to provide medical care, rehabilitation, rehoming, and advocacy for retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs across the United States.
The grant helped to support the lifesaving medical care of retired K-9 “Chilly Sky,” a 10-year-old female Labrador Retriever who recently joined Project K-9 Hero as Program Member #386.
K-9 Chilly Sky honorably served with the Grafton West Virginia Volunteer Fire Department and FEMA Task Force Ohio Branch as a Human Remains Detection Dog. Throughout her career and deployments, Chilly made documented recoveries both on land and in water, dedicating her life to serving others during times of tragedy and crisis.
In early April of 2026, Chilly suddenly collapsed while out of state. Her handler rushed her to an emergency veterinary hospital in Dayton, Ohio, where veterinarians discovered her glucose levels had dropped to dangerously low levels. Chilly remained hospitalized overnight while medical staff worked to stabilize her condition.
The following morning, Chilly’s handler was advised that she likely would not survive the trip home to West Virginia. They recommended euthanasia. Refusing to give up on her partner, Chilly’s handler took the risk of transporting her home, and immediately sought additional medical care through their trusted veterinarian.
A complete CT scan was performed, and Chilly is currently undergoing extensive diagnostic testing while veterinarians work to determine the cause of her condition. In the meantime, she continues to wear a glucose monitor and requires feeding every two hours to help maintain stable glucose levels.
To date, Project K-9 Hero has provided $8,191.38 on medical care for Chilly Sky, including emergency treatment, diagnostic testing, follow-up care, prescription food, medications, and ongoing monitoring. That support was made possible in part through the generous $5,000 grant from Petco Love.
“Dogs like Chilly dedicated their lives to serving their communities and this nation,” said Jason Johnson, Founder and CEO of Project K-9 Hero. “When their service ends, they deserve the same loyalty and protection they gave throughout their careers. Thanks to Petco Love’s support, we are able to continue stepping in during critical moments like this and ensure retired working dogs receive the care they deserve.”
Project K-9 Hero has committed to covering Chilly’s medical care at 100% for the remainder of her life, including treatments, follow-up appointments, prescription medications, specialty food, diagnostic testing, and any future surgeries she may require.
Since its founding in 2016, Project K-9 Hero has assisted over 390 retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs nationwide, ensuring these heroes receive dignified retirement after years of faithful service.
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About Project K-9 Hero
Project K-9 Hero is a nonprofit organization dedicated to covering the costs of medical care, prescription food, end-of-duty services, rehabilitation, and rehoming for the nation’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. Learn more at www.projectk9hero.org
About Petco Love
Petco Love is a national nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested millions in animal welfare organizations and lifesaving efforts across the country.
Media Contact: Jason Johnson Project K-9 Hero info@projectk9hero.org