“These dogs are not only our best friends, they embody what’s best about us – the courage, loyalty, and heart of true warriors.” – Mike Ritland
These are their stories
Arko aka Breston
As Arko grabbed the insurgent he was sent to take down, he was shot. Even with his injury, CAD Arko still managed to complete his mission and take down the insurgent. Because of the Warrior Dog Foundation, Arko was able to live out his retirement in peace at the WDF ranch.
What we loved most about Arko is that he was one of those dogs that made you earn his respect every time you clipped a leash to him. Right up until the day he passed, he had a
presence about him that was unmistakable, yet hard to describe. He was a warrior through and through and is responsible for many of our countrymen coming home safe. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Arko.
Carlos – aka Digo
explosion severely injured both the handler and Carlos and leveled that entryway. The force of the blast collapsed Carlos’s lungs and sinuses and threw him several feet, which resulted in him breaking both his back legs and his hips. His handler sustained major injuries as well. When the other members of the team rushed up to assist their fallen comrade, despite his own injuries, Carlos managed to crawl over to his handler and guard him. It took some time for the rest of the operators to calm Carlos down. All Carlos knew was that his handler was hurt and he was going to make sure that nobody else did any damage to him.
Carlos and his handler were medevac’d out of that area of operation, and both fully recovered. Carlos healed so well that he eventually returned to operational status and was deployed again before retiring to the Warrior Dog Foundation at age seven.
Bear
Ben
Beni
Blackjack
Sadly, in February of 2015, Michael was hit by a drunk driver and did not survive. Blackjack went to live with Michael’s mother, who cared for him the best she could, before he came to live with us at the Warrior Dog Foundation ranch.
Blecky
“One night while off duty I got a call around midnight and I was notified that he was unable to move his back legs and was dragging himself around with his two front legs to be able to move. I went to the kennels right away and once I walked to his kennel I witnessed just how serious and bad the unknown injury was. After being evaluated and having numerous tests done, it was discovered he had a ruptured disc that was putting pressure on his spine. After the surgery was completed, he was sent to the Military working dog rehabilitation center to work on being able to walk again. Because of how aggressive Blecky is, the staff was unable to work with him and could not give him the treatment he needed to recover. At the time they figured the best course of action was to have him euthanized.”
“Having the Warrior Dog Foundation as a resource for my partner has been huge for not only his transition into retirement but also being allowed to live a life after being a military working dog. Blecky is aggressive, and that makes it challenging for anyone else to be able to work with him. That is when we contacted WDF and explained to them the situation and they agreed to take him in. Without the Warrior Dog Foundation my partner would not be alive today, healing and enjoying retirement.” – Blecky’s Former Handler
Chucky
cocaine and marijuana. Chucky proudly served his community until Feb 2018 when he was forced to retire early due to Patellar Luxation, a condition where his rear kneecap dislocates when he runs and jumps.
Dargo
Denzel
Gringo
Griz
Harry
Igo
Jax
Jafo
Kyra
Lenox
Lenz
Nico
Nico and former handler US Navy SEAL Taylor have been seen raising awareness for the Warrior Dog Foundation on the NASCAR track.
Ozzy
Ozzy received numerous awards and commendations for his street work in the apprehension of violent offenders. Most notable was an incident where a dangerous aggravated assault suspect was believed to be hiding in an attic. Ozzy was sent in the attic to locate the suspect. Ozzy apprehended the suspect. As his handler tried to locate Ozzy through the thick insolation in the attic, his handler fell through the ceiling, lost consciousness, and was airlifted to the hospital. Ozzy stayed on the suspect and had to be physically removed from the apprehension by another K9 handler who was on scene. He was awarded the medal of valor for his efforts.
Ozzy is a character of sorts. Highly driven and endless energy. Ozzy kind of “marched to his own beat”. He has an edge to him, and when he is in drive he is all business, nothing is done half speed. His intensity for work is second to none.
Rex
Rocky – aka Italian Rocky
CAD Rocky- US Navy SEAL K9
Our “Why”
‘These dogs have saved countless lives and prevented innumerable horrific injuries. As a nation, we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude’~Mike Ritland
These dogs have done so much for us, and they don’t deserve to be put down. They deserve rest, respect, and a dignified retirement. To date, we have rehabilitated and rehomed over 170 K9s. When you donate to The Warrior Dog Foundation, you help us give more hero dogs a chance at a peaceful life after service.