Our dedication is directed at making a difference in the lives of Operational K9s and the human handlers who work alongside them. Explore our impact below to see how we work to champion the K9 community throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Testimonials
We’re proud to offer highly technical, hands-on training to law enforcement officers and other first responders. See how our point of injury trainings helped save the lives of these operational K9s.
“Without the team at OPK9 and the classes they teach, I am certain that our K9 wouldn’t be working in the field today and doing what he loves.”
– Brad Shearer
“The OPK9 team puts on exceptional trainings for handlers all across the state. This training allowed for early detection of our K9 Falco suffering from heat stroke during a track.
Additionally, the responding ambulance crew (who also attended an OPK9 class) was able to utilize skills they had learned to stabilize our K9’s body temperature until we arrived at BluePearl Pet Hospital.
Without the team at OPK9 and the classes they teach, I am certain that our K9 wouldn’t be working in the field today and doing what he loves.”
– Brad Shearer, Human Partner to K9 Falco
In October 2021, K9 Officer Riggs suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the successful apprehension of a double homicide suspect. He was treated at the scene and quickly transported to a level one trauma center and survived.
His handler, Deputy Sheriff Terry Tifft, commented: “Had I not applied what I learned at training, I would have transported K9 Riggs myself in my squad and the outcome could have been much different.”
K9 Riggs initially returned to duty but later took an early medical retirement. K9 Officer Riggs survived because he received complete medical care from the emergency scene, transport, and veterinary hospital.
Advocacy
Dr. Lisa Converse and members of the OPK9 team were instrumental in the passage of Senate Bill 435 in 2018. The Save Our Pets Bill allows first responders to render first aid to domesticated animals, like pets, when responding to emergency situations.
We plan to work as a part of an advocacy team to develop statewide K9 transport laws when an Operational K9 is injured in the line of duty.
Press Coverage
We are thankful for recognition from media outlets throughout the state. These features in the press not only validate our work but also help us reach more people and extend our impact.
First responders trained to save police dogs injured in the line of duty
WISN 12 News
March 26, 2024
Wisconsin K-9 medic class, first responders trained to help partners
FOX 6 Milwaukee
October 12, 2023
First responders receive K-9 emergency training
WSAW-TV
May 19, 2022
Featured Press
See one of our founders, Lyn Schuh, discuss our work on “Eye on Oshkosh” hosted by Cheryl Hentz, and read the profile published in the Oshkosh Herald.