K9 Hero Pillow Project

07/06/2024

Please make a donation if you can to help support these K9 Heroes.

04/06/2024

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25/05/2024

Please make a donation if you are able or even adopt one of these K9 heroes.

These are k9 Heroes who have served and were taken in by K9 Hero Haven but were then neglected and have been seized from there.

They need help to be taken care of after way too much neglect. 😢🤬💖🐕

12/04/2024

NO! This is so shocking and heartbreaking. Our very own K9 Hero Dax was hurt in his last apprehension and they had to retire him.

He just had his retirement party the other day and we assumed he would enjoy he's retirement with his partner and his family. And now we've learned that he suddenly passed away. 😢💔💙🐕

04/04/2024

Our local hero K9 LEO Dax was recently injured and now he will be retiring. He was scheduled to retire next year. Enjoy your retirement Dax and thank you for your amazing service.

Lake County Sheriff’s K9 Dax Retires

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announces the retirement of K9 Dax.

K9 Dax joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in the spring of 20 15. K9 Dax was 13 months old when he joined the team. As the Lake County community has followed over the years, K9 Dax has thrived in his role as a police canine. K9 Dax and his partner, Deputy John Forlenza, have located over 400 missing endangered people or fleeing felons. He has hundreds of kilos of illegal drugs, millions of dollars seized, dozens of fi****ms discarded by offenders, dozens of seized vehicles, and has participated in hundreds of community and school demonstrations.

K9 Dax has received awards for:
2016 Illinois House of Representatives – General Assembly Award
2017 ASIS International (Illinois North Shore Chapter) – Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
2017 Chicago Crime Commission – Paws of Distinction Award
2018 K9s of Valor Foundation – K9 of the Year
2019 Lake County Board Special Recognition
2019 The 100 Club of Chicago – Valor Award
May 14, 2019 State of Illinois House of Representatives 101st General Assembly - House Resolution No. 872 offered by Representative Sam Yingling
2019 American Humane Hero Dog – Law Enforcement Winner
2019 Italian American Police Association – Officer of the Year
2022 State Senator Craig Wilcox – Certificate of Recognition
2022 Lake County Sheriff’s Office – Commendation Award
2022 Illinois Sheriff’s Association – Award of Merit
2023 Lake County Sheriff’s Office – The Sheriff’s Award of Valor
2023 Illinois Law Enforcement – Medal of Honor
2023 The German Shepherd Dog Club of America – Hero Dog Award

During Dax’s career with the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) he competed in several regional and national trials across the country. Dax has earned numerous top finishes in the areas of tracking, article searches, narcotics, suspect searches, and protection. Dax won six USPCA Regional Championships and earned two Tracking Exceptional Certifications.

K9 Dax has appeared in/on:
Numerous local and national news stations
People Magazine
Hero Dogs (Fox Nation)
American Humane’s Hero Dog (Hallmark Channel – Los Angeles, California)
Home and Family (Hallmark Channel – Los Angeles, California)
Access Daily (NBC – Los Angeles, California)
Today with Hoda & Jenna (NBC - New York, New York)
America’s Top Dog (A&E Network – Santa Clarita, California)
Dynamic K9 Duos (ESPN – Valdosta, Georgia)

On March 3, 2024, K9 Dax was injured while apprehending a person who had committed several felonies, and was fleeing. K9 Dax injured his neck and spine, which resulted in temporary paralysis to his hindquarters. K9 Dax was subsequently diagnosed with cervical and thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and lumbosacral IVDD exasperated during his apprehension on March 3rd. K9 Dax went through intensive physical therapy following the injury, allowing him to regain the ability to walk and use his hind legs.

K9 Dax’s team of veterinarians determined that, for his physical wellbeing, he would not be able to return to active duty.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg has accepted K9 Dax’s official retirement request from Deputy Forlenza and ordered him to be turned over to Deputy John Forlenza, to enjoy his retirement. K9 Dax will undoubtedly miss going to work every day but will enjoy relaxing with Deputy Forlenza and his family.

Deputy John Forlenza said, “There is no way to quantify or properly express what Dax’s service has meant to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County community, his supporters across the nation, and especially me. But I cannot refrain from stating that his service has been exemplary, and most importantly, he has saved countless lives, including my own. I am proud to have been his handler and best friend for the last nine years. Dax is a true hero and well deserving of the rest and love that waits for him in his retirement. I’d like to especially thank Dax’s supporters, team of veterinarians, trainers, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and my family and friends for all their support throughout his career.”

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Deputy John Forlenza and K9 Dax exemplify what a true partnership looks like. They are among the top canine teams in the nation. There was virtually nothing K9 Dax couldn’t handle. He saved many lives throughout his career, apprehended some of the most violent offenders, and located major quantities of illegally trafficked drugs. On behalf of the men and women of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County community, thank you, K9 Dax, for your dedication, your commitment, and your service to our community.”

A retirement ceremony will be announced at a future date.

03/04/2024

If you're in the area, join in. Or you can even do it virtually like Lisa does. See the comments on this post if you're interested to learn more.

21/03/2024

Just want to say thanks for all the kind words about our loss of these three amazing furbabies this last year.

Deja and Bugsy and most recently Tango. They were amazing dogs, litter mates, and Bugsy was a cool cat... who thought he was a dog.

18/03/2024

I haven't posted much lately because we had a hard year with the fairly sudden loss of our beloved Golden, Deja. Soon after, we had to say goodbye to our 18 yr old cat, Bugsy. And a few weeks ago we had to let our beloved Golden, Tango...my shadow and Deja's littermate brother...cross the Rainbow Bridge. Losing three beloved furbabies in a year is hard on a broken heart. So I was kind of avoiding working on K9 Pillow...it was just too sad for me.

But I'm starting to get back into it and just finished this Police K9 who passed in retirement and who was waiting too long for me to finish. His pillow will soon be on its way to his family. More pillows to come soon.

15/03/2024

💙🐕 So happy to see Dax is walking after his injury while apprehending a criminal.

13/03/2024

Lake County Illinois Sheriff's Department K9 Hero Dax needs your prayers. He was injured subduing a suspect and now is having trouble walking with his hind legs.

Again, on behalf of Sheriff Idleburg, Deputy Forlenza and the Sheriff’s Office, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the outpouring of support! Dax is continuing treatment this week at TOPS Veterinary Rehabilitation and following up with Dr. Newman at Partners and Paws Veterinary Services. Dax continues to be in great hands and he too is so grateful for all of the cards, treats, and everything else he’s received! THANK YOU LAKE COUNTY!!

08/01/2024

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We were busy again today stuffing K9 Trauma kits with more new volunteers and the awesome K9 Yaga lended a paw as well. Thank you everyone for coming out today.
If your K9 does not have a K9 Trauma kit, go to www.protectingk9heroes.com and apply for yours today! Shipping next week. Iowa has 15 requests heading their way on Monday!

06/01/2024

That'd our boy, Dax!

06/01/2024

I'm writing a bunch of Valentine cards to send to the Wisconsin VA that will be given to veterans in their three VA homes.

If you would like to send some but have not seen the details you can find them at this article. They need to be sent by January 31st latest.

https://www.fox6now.com/news/valentines-wisconsin-veterans-homes?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A%20Trending%20Content&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR37Wc3rw8uMX2VkHFEGIEtIdsmSnBdxbTg3vBVzGaY5adV4sXHZsemJiPM

02/12/2023

It's true, you can save a dog after you leave this earth.

A program at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine uses donated pacemakers for pets with heart problems.

21/11/2023

A video news report. And yes this is very worrisome, especially with the holidays when so many people board their dogs. If you have a dog be sure to watch this.

With reported cases in several states, including Illinois, the respiratory illness is largely resistant to antibiotics and has already led to some fatalities

17/11/2023

If you have a dog make sure you read this to keep your fur baby safe.

A mysterious respiratory illness has sickened dogs in several U.S. states and left others dead as veterinarians encourage dog owners to exercise caution and limit contact with other dogs.

05/11/2023

If you can make a donation, please do. Gabe was a K9 war hero and a pound puppy that became the K9 Hero of the Year some years ago. Gabe has passed now, but his partner Chuck continues to help others in Gabe's name. See details below.

We need alot of Gabe angels. Project ends Dec 15th

We sit at 381 kids sponsored so far for our Christmas project. Goal is 2000

This year our Gabe to the Rescue plush and books will be shipped to the Maui Police Department for the kids that lost everything in the fires and Toys for Tots.

$10 sponsors a kid with a Gabe item

PayPal is [email protected] and please use trusted or friends option

Check, cash or money order made payable to charles shuck 8728 wilmore Lane spotsylvania va 22553 (please note Christmas project)

Cashapp is $brycelena

Zelle is [email protected] with usaa

26/10/2023

Military Working Dog Grief was killed by a bomb, but saved his partner and several other soldiers. Now Grief's partner, Alfred, has finished his book SURVIVING GRIEF. It's available now on Amazon. I thought some of you might want to read it. I just ordered it, so I can't say anything until I get it later this month.

I made a pillow of Grief for Alfred. His team members sent a card around the country when they returned and they all signed it...thanking Alfred and MWD Grief for saving them. They wanted the pillow to be added with the card and a way to honor MWD Grief saving their lives. You can read more about MWD Grief at this link below. And you can find SURVIVING GRIEF by Alfred Brenner on Amazon.

http://mousetrax.com/

01/10/2023

I have no affiliation with this company, but I swear by this Help 'em up Harness.

When Deja got sick in January, Greg bought two of these, one for her and a larger one knowing we'd need one for Tango and now we do (pictured). No way I could lift a 125 # dog without it. But with this Harness, it's so easy to get him up on his feet.

If you have a dog who could use some help or will in the near future you definitely want to check this out. Here's a basic intro video but there's lots of information on YouTube and their website about it.

https://youtu.be/Pwa7BXCg40I?si=kGYFYSUfoclw2fqA

30/09/2023

If you need to fly with your dogs, especially large dogs, you may want to check out K9 Jets. Here's a blog entry with details from one of my favorite doggie celebrities and I put a price breakdown in the comments.

https://www.goldenretrieverlife.com/blog/how-i-flew-my-dogs-to-europe?fbclid=IwAR07-8gbxQpxvtP06f9JgPz81How9CwAFDzf-cbVZD1mKRvIT7f2e8GM6DA

We have always wanted to take our dogs internationally but didn't think it was possible without placing them in cargo. That all changed with K9 JETS. They're a pay-per-seat jet service that allows dogs (and cats) to fly in the cabin! This blog and video will cover our flight experience, frequentl

30/09/2023

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26/09/2023

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25/09/2023

😢🙏💙🐕