Project K9 Hero and Axel 6

You'd never know it from looking at him...or feeling his jaws clench around your forearm for that matter, but Axel, a former ATF SRT Tactical Canine has lung cancer, Megaesophagus, interstitial keratitis and allergies so bad he can only eat rabbit. Again, you'd never know it from having his powerful jaws clamp down on your arm because Axel has no quit in him. He still has tons of fight left. We as humans, understand cancer and medical issues...Axel does not. He still wants to go light speed and bite arms, because that's what he's been praised as "such a good boy" for his entire life for doing.But...Axel doesn't work for the ATF anymore. He's been retired and all of those medical conditions and the financial responsibility of them, now fall to his owners. Luckily, Axel is the poster child and mascot for Project K-9 Hero. Project K-9 Hero works to ensure that the dogs who have served us so faithfully are taken care of post service. They provide a yearly stipend of $3k to owners with K9s in the program to help offset some of the medical costs of the fur missiles. Sometimes, they exceed that amount if the pup (all dogs are pups, it's my world and they're all pups) desperately needs it.These dogs have faithfully served next to us in all facets, from Afghanistan to Iraq, from Detroit to Los Angeles...the world over these dogs have done their duty and deserve to be taken care of when they finish their service. They've earned that much right?

And what happens when the inevitable happens and mans best friend passes on? Project K-9 Hero is there as well to ensure the K9 hero is buried and remembered properly, with a custom portrait of the dog and $500 to go towards the funeral services.

These dogs went to hell and back with us and for us. They had little choice in the matter. The least we could do is be decent human beings and ensure that they do not go into their twilight years alone and in pain. That's why Project K-9 Hero exists, to take care of our brothers and sisters with four legs, sharp teeth and a penchant for getting belly rubs and chewing Kong toys.Donate to Project K9 Hero here, and check them out on Facebook here.