Project K-9 Hero

Project K-9 Hero
Formation2016
FounderJason Johnson
TypeNonprofit organization
HeadquartersWhitwell, Tennessee, United States
Websiteprojectk9hero.org

Project K-9 Hero is an American nonprofit organization based in Whitwell, Tennessee. It supports retired police dogs and military working dogs and operates a rehabilitation and rehoming facility in Whitwell, Tennessee.[1]

History

Project K-9 Hero was founded in 2016 after Jason Johnson's work in military, police, and federal K-9 programs led him to focus on the lack of retirement support for working dogs.[1][2] Flash, a retired police dog, known for association with Johnson, became the inspiration for the project.[3]

In 2022, Johnson and the organization were featured on PBS's American Anthems.[4] By 2023, it developed a 177-acre rehabilitation and rehoming facility in Marion County, Tennessee.[1] In the same year, it arranged adoptions and lifetime care for former working dogs, including the former military dog Blek and Transportation Security Administration dog Suzi.[5][6]

Project K-9 Hero has supported policy proposals concerning medical funding and legal protections for retired and injured working dogs, including federal legislation on retired military working dogs and Michigan's proposed Dozer's Law.[7] In 2024, it also donated funds to the Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office for the acquisition and training of a dual trained K-9 for narcotics detection and tracking.[8]

As of 2024, retired search and rescue dog Remington was the ambassador for the organization.[9]

Operations

Project K-9 Hero programs focus on covering or offsetting lifetime medical expenses for retired working dogs after agency support ends at retirement.[10] It also provides prescription food, rehabilitation, rehoming, and end of duty services.[10][11] Dogs accepted into the program may remain at the rehabilitation center in Tennessee until a long term placement is found.[12]

References

  1. ^ a b c Havenner, Nathan (September 6, 2023). "Project K-9 Hero Provides Care For Retired Police and Military Dogs". The Marion Tribune.
  2. ^ Correll, Diana Stancy (November 14, 2019). "New K-9 legislation would provide federal funding for retired military working dogs' medical expenses". Military Times.
  3. ^ Schurk, Marie (March 8, 2018). "Retired K-9 honored for her work with Yakima Police Department". KIMA.
  4. ^ Klug, Emma (June 23, 2022). "Founder of Project K9 Hero to Be Featured on American Anthems". Hour Detroit.
  5. ^ Najib, Shafiq; Smart, Katherine (November 10, 2023). "Staff sergeant reunites with retired military dog through adoption project". ABC News.
  6. ^ Bomke, Natalie (October 29, 2023). "'Project K-9 Hero' provides lifelong medical care for K-9s after service". Fox 32 Chicago.
  7. ^ Shane III, Leo (November 14, 2019). "New K-9 legislation would provide federal funding for retired military working dogs' medical expenses". Military Times. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  8. ^ Knott, Lucky (April 1, 2024). "Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office Receives Donation from Project K-9 Hero". SValleyNow. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  9. ^ Flores, Luis A. (July 22, 2024). "Remington: el legado de un héroe canino experto en búsqueda y rescate". Infobae (in Spanish). Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  10. ^ a b Bomke, Natalie (October 29, 2023). "'Project K-9 Hero' provides lifelong medical care for K-9s after service". Fox 32 Chicago. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  11. ^ Stone, Lindsay (March 19, 2025). "Project K-9 Hero raising money to help retired officers in need". WLWT. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  12. ^ Taylor, Nuray (December 1, 2023). "Retirement: A Dog's Life". AFCEA International. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
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