K9s United

Debbie Johnson founded K9s United in 2015, after hearing of the tragic death of Baron — a local K9 officer. Debbie felt moved to attend Baron's funeral and consequently help in any way she could. Upon meeting with the Sergeant of the St. John’s County Sheriff’s office in Florida, she enrolled in the Civilian Law Enforcement Academy, wanting to immerse herself fully. It was during the ride-along, and several subsequent meetings at the Sheriff’s office, that Debbie learned of budgetary needs not being met by allocated funding. She initially thought to put on a charity golf tournament, but wanted to ensure that all money raised would go directly to the K9 units — whose handlers and K9s risk their lives keeping their communities safe. When this couldn’t be guaranteed she requested units send her their lists of needs and she would tackle them one-by-one, purchasing whatever was needed and donating it to the unit. It was in June of 2015 the 501(c)(3) nonprofit K9s United was born. The goal of K9s United is to help supplement what’s not being met due to budget constraints in K9 Unit funding. Each agency is different in their needs, but K9 Units across the United States have the same budget constraints, and there are always needs. Agencies will reach out to K9s United with a list of their needs by priority. K9s United works with the agencies to identify their vendors, establish a relationship with that vendor and negotiate a discount. Purchases are then made and donated directly to the unit. The funds raised do not go to the department or law enforcement agency, they are strictly used to purchase the equipment/needs and then delivered to the K9 unit. In addition to providing the needs that are not being met, K9s United also commissions artist Damon Jennings to paint an 18x24 Canvas Portrait. It is sent to every fallen K-9 across the United States since Baron’s death. K9s United’s vision is to fulfill the needs of every agency across the United States. And every decision made is in honor of Baron’s ultimate sacrifice and the many other K9s that have gone before and after him.