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Introducing New High Speed Gear K9 Leads

Wednesday, June 1st, 2022

SWANSBORO, N.C. – June 1, 2022 – High Speed Gear® releases two new K9 leads for working dog handlers.

Earlier this year Sgt. Dawn Jauernik and her K9 Bonito from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, inspired High Speed Gear® to create the Bonito 15’ Tracking Lead.

HSGI® has now added the K9 Adjustable Patrol Lead and the K9 Traffic Lead to the product line up. They are built from Mil-Spec tubular nylon webbing and have powder coated steel hardware for ultimate durability. These leads are made with Schoeller™ Nanosphere™ coating which repels water, dirt, debris and fur.

The Adjustable Patrol Lead can be adjusted from 3ft to 7ft and is designed to keep a medium distance between the K9 and handler.

The 1.5ft two-handle Traffic Lead allows the handler to have more overall control of the K9, whether performing a routine traffic stop, search and seizure, or awaiting to deploy a K9 for a foot pursuit.

“For years, High Speed Gear has designed the highest quality gear for professionals who rely on it the most” said Shelbie O’Brien, Sr. Commercial Business Development Manager for HSGI. “Now we are pleased to do the same for K9’s as well.”

For more information please see: K9 Adjustable Patrol Lead & K9 Traffic Lead.

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Is Your Dog a Hero Dog? One Week Left to Nominate Your Best Friend for the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards!

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

National campaign honoring heroic and loving canines back for twelfth year; Winners to be honored at red carpet awards gala reaching millions

Washington, DC – American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is closing nominations for the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards® campaign on March 16, one week from today. The twelfth annual, year-long campaign seeks to identify and honor the best of our best friends and will culminate this fall with the star-studded “American Humane Hero Dog Awards” gala on November 11 in Palm Beach. The event reaches and is eagerly followed by millions of animal lovers around the world every year.

Dog owners across the country are invited to visit www.herodogawards.org and nominate their heroic canine companion in one of seven categories. This fall, the top dog in each category will appear at the star-studded, red-carpet awards gala and one of the seven will be named the 2022 American Hero Dog – the most prestigious honor a canine can receive.

The seven categories for 2022 are: Law Enforcement and Detection Dogs, Military Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, Shelter Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs and Guide/Hearing Dogs. Following the nomination period, 21 semifinalists (the top three in each category) will be selected in a first round of voting by the public. The second round, featuring a combination of public and celebrity judge voting, will narrow the field to seven category finalists who will then vie, through a final round of public and celebrity judge voting, for the title of 2022 American Hero Dog.

During the past dozen years, Americans have cast millions of votes for thousands of dogs, all seeking the coveted title of American Hero Dog. The program draws the support and participation of top celebrity dog lovers from all over the world. Hosts, judges, award presenters and entertainment acts have included Vivica A. Fox, Jay Leno, Billy Crystal, Betty White, Ariel Winter, Rebecca Romijn, Faithe Herman, Marcus Scribner, Dean Cain, Katharine McPhee, Shannen Doherty, Whoopi Goldberg, Denise Richards, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chelsea Handler, Martin Short, Jewel, Wilson Phillips, Carson Kressley, Miranda Lambert, Pauley Perrette, Kristin Chenoweth, Naomi Judd, Eric Stonestreet, Fred Willard, Danica McKellar and many, many more.

“Whether they protect us on the battlefield, help us with medical challenges, or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a hard day, dogs save and improve our lives every day,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is our way of saluting our best friends and we invite every dog lover to take a few minutes to recognize the love, skill and loyalty these remarkable animals show us every day by nominating their canine companion now at www.HeroDogAwards.org.”

Key dates for the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards contest include:

Nominations: January 13 – March 16

1st Round Voting:

March 30 – May 12

2nd Round Voting:

June 2 – July 22

3rd Round Voting:

August 5 – September 13

Hero Dog Awards gala:

Coming this fall

All rounds open and close at 12 p.m. Pacific Time.

More information about the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, including complete contest rules and entry information, can be obtained by visiting www.herodogawards.org, and be sure to follow @HeroDogAwards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. More information on sponsorship opportunities can be had by emailing Laura Wright at LauraW@AmericanHumane.org or by calling 1-800-227-4645.

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High Speed Gear Releases the NEW Bonito 15’ Tracking Lead

Monday, February 28th, 2022

SWANSBORO, N.C. – March 1, 2022 – High Speed Gear® embarks on a new product line up designed for K9 and working dog handlers. The Bonito 15’ Tracking Lead is the first product in the new series.

For over 23 years, High Speed Gear® has been developing and providing mission-essential tactical gear to first responders, military personnel, and government agencies, and is now able to offer equipment for those four-legged heroes. The Bonito 15’ Tracking Lead is designed specifically for K9 and working dog handlers. The lead is constructed with Mil-Spec tubular nylon using Schoeller™ Nanosphere™ coating. The new Tracking Lead is water and fur resistant; the handle is double bar-tacked for durability, and it’s equipped with a steel snap-hook with military-grade coating. The Tracking Lead is made in the USA and extends a total of 15 feet in length.

“A local Onslow County K9 Sergeant, Dawn Jauernik and her K9 Bonito inspired our team to design and offer the new K9 product line up to our customer base,” explained Shelbie O’Brien, HSGI® Sales Manager . “We’re proud supporters of law enforcement, and we know just how impactful the K9 units can be on a law enforcement agency so it was the perfect next step in product offerings from High Speed Gear.”

“We appreciate the support of High Speed Gear, particularly our K9 Unit, who work very hard for rescue operations and for keeping our agency very successful in reducing narcotics in our county,” said Sheriff Hans Miller, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt Dawn Jauernik further explains, “We are honored to have Bonito represent High Speed Gear with the name of the inaugural leash! Thank you High Speed Gear for your continued support of LEOs and their K9 companions.” To follow Bonito on Instagram, visit www.instagram.com/k9_bonito

To view more details on the Lead, visit https://youtu.be/jwS4nmLsd-8. The Bonito 15’ Tracking Lead is now available for purchase through the HSGI Authorized Dealer network as well as on the High Speed Gear website: Bonito 15′ Tracking Lead

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5.11, MGM, United Artists Releasing and K9s For Warriors Team Up to Support U.S. Military Veterans

Saturday, February 12th, 2022

Channing Tatum (co-director/star) and Reid Carolin (co-director/writer) join to support military veterans in celebration of their new film “Dog”

IRVINE, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2021) 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, has teamed up with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), United Artists Releasing (UAR) and K9s For Warriors to support military veterans in celebration of the February 18 theatrical release of the upcoming film, ‘Dog’ starring Channing Tatum and co-directed by Tatum and Reid Carolin. As part of the collaboration, 5.11 will donate $25,000 to K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.

As a part of the initiative, Carolin, Tatum and K9s For Warriors delivered a service dog to a well-deserving member of the U.S. Military earlier this month. Active Navy Captain, Jon, and his new Labrador, Winston, will complete a 3-week training program at K9s For Warriors’ headquarters in Florida where will build an unwavering bond.

(Left to Right) Navy Captain, Jon, with Labrador, Winston, Dog Co-Director, Reid Carolin, and Dog Co-Director and Actor, Channing Tatum

Tatum reflected on the opportunity to unite a deserving veteran with his dog saying, “it is an honor to be a part of this moment.” Around creating the film, Tatum remarked, “It was a really beautiful journey for us to learn the depth of the bond between a soldier and a dog.”

DOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. With roots in servicing military communities, 5.11 products appear throughout the film, including the RUSH24™ 2.0 Backpack used by Tatum’s character.

“We’re pleased to support these outstanding projects that bring awareness to the many sacrifices and struggles that our nation’s veterans face every day,” said 5.11’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “We hope our contribution helps more brave veterans find a companion through the efforts of K9s For Warriors and lets them know they are greatly appreciated.”

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is a non-profit that pairs highly trained service dogs, commonly rescued from shelters, with veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war. This innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

“We are incredibly grateful to collaborate with 5.11, MGM and UA Releasing to support our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Rory Diamond. “K9s For Warriors has the privilege every day to see the impact a Service Dog has on a veteran. With a battle buddy by their side, the veteran returns to a life of a dignity and independence. This partnership has given us the amazing opportunity to showcase that special moment when Channing surprises our Warrior Jon with his Service Dog for the first time, beginning their journey towards an unbreakable bond.”

Join us in celebrating the work of K9s For Warriors, the spirit of the film ‘Dog’, and the excitement from Channing and Reid around uniting Jon and Winston. The video can be viewed in its entirety here.

For more information on 5.11’s activation with MGM, UAR and K9s for Warriors, please visit www.511tactical.com/k9s-for-warriors. For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. To learn more about K9s For Warriors visit www.k9sforwarrior.org.

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Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

Pompano Beach, Florida February 7, 2020 – If dogs are man’s best friends, then service dogs are their life-enhancing faithful companions. Service dogs for veterans take it one step further: providing their valuable assistance to those who have selflessly served our country.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) believes in giving back, especially to military veterans. The company is also filled with dog lovers. Recently KUSA decided to help a very deserving Marine veteran by providing her with an emotional support service dog. Meet US Marine Corps veteran Lorena Guimares and her new canine companion, Vityaz, a male Labrador Retriever puppy:

K-9 recruit Vityaz, sitting on the yellow paw prints at Recruit Depot Pawris Island, meets his new battle buddy, former US Marine Corps Sergeant Lorena Guimares

Over the next six-months, and under the watchful eye of professional dog trainer (and senior drill instructor) Fletcher Swain of Custom K-9, K-9 recruit Vityaz and former “Devil Dog” Lorena G. will be honed into a lean, mean, finely-tuned human/canine machine.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) is grateful to several key individuals and organizations who helped make this happy connection happen. Sgt. Adams Lin of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) made the introduction to Marine veteran Lorena Guimares. In addition to being the county’s largest law enforcement organization, the PBSO is well known for their support of military veterans and their annual Bark-A-Thon event designed to promote pet adoptions.

Dog trainer Fletcher Swain helped identify and secure a suitable puppy with the right temperament and intelligence needed to become a fully-trained emotional support service dog. Custom K-9 is providing lodging for Vityaz as well as a suitable parade ground where he and his human companion can learn to march in unison and communicate with each other.

“This really was a team effort involving KUSA employees, community partners, and even our customers (especially Dennis M.) who helped us select “Vityaz” as the name for the service dog in training. In Slavic mythology, a vityaz was a noble knight who fought dragons, giants and other creatures using a combination of strength, wits, and courage. We’re confident our canine Vityaz will likewise help Lorena overcome her challenges” said David Garretson, VP of Marketing for Kalashnikov-USA. ‘Stay tuned as we follow this dynamic duo on their Semper Fidelis bonding journey” he added.

Posted in Industry, K9, Press Release, USMC, Veterans | Comments Off on Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

Clif Bar & Company Launches Trailblazers Incubator and Introduces CLIF Pet

Sunday, January 2nd, 2022

EMERYVILLE, Calif. – Dec. 13, 2021 – Today, Clif Bar & Company announced the launch of the Trailblazers Incubator, an in-house new ventures group built to deliver disruptive innovation and create sustainable business opportunities. Based in Clif Bar’s Emeryville, CA headquarters, the Trailblazers team of “intrapreneurs” is applying an agile start-up mindset to driving new growth strategies for Clif Bar. This includes expanding into new categories that align with the company’s Five Aspirations business model.

Overseen by Chief Innovation Officer, Rizal Hamdallah, and led by Incubator Senior Director, Greg Lok, the Trailblazers first venture is CLIF PetTM, with the introduction of plant-based pet snacks. Slated for national launch in early 2022, CLIF Pet will start with three flavors of snacks for dogs with plans to build out the Pet portfolio in the near term.

“Just as Clif Bar was founded on disrupting the energy bar category nearly 30 years ago, the Trailblazers Incubator is built to consistently deliver our bold innovation agenda and accelerate our growth plan,” said Hamdallah. “In addition to a rapid, data-driven product development and go-to-market strategy, what makes our approach different is extending the loyalty of the CLIF® brand. By introducing CLIF Pet, we will bring energy to the whole family.”

Clif Bar has set a bold goal to multiply its positive impact on the world by doubling the size of the company. The decision to enter the pet snacking category is supported by the dramatic increase in pet ownership coupled with the emerging demand for human-grade pet food1. Today, as pets are considered part of the family more than ever before, the category represents a significant growth opportunity for Clif Bar.

“With more than 11 million U.S. households bringing a pet home during the last 18 months of COVID, the category is exploding and ripe for new offerings2,” said Lok. “What makes this launch unique is the combination of speed and discipline to bring an innovative, relevant product to market during a global pandemic. We are truly blazing new trails by applying best practices from tech start-ups to our expertise in consumer insights and packaged goods – it’s a winning combination.”

www.clifbar.com

Posted in K9, Outdooralamode, Press Release | 1 Comment »

TacMed Tuesday – Importance of K9 Transport Legislation

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

In 2018, Sgt. Sean Gannon and his K9 Nero suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, Sgt. Gannon succumbed to the injury, but K9 Nero was effectively treated on site by a Federal medic previously trained by K9 MEDIC®. The situation dramatically highlighted the state regulations that legally limited care and transport of K9s by local and state providers. Many states currently don’t have any legislation that would allow EMS to treat and transport an injured working K9. Today, Nero is alive and healthy and serves as an advocate for more states to support life-saving care.

Because many states such as Colorado, Massachusetts, Florida, Rhode Island, and more have recently begun passing legislation allowing for EMS treatment and transport of K9s, EMS K9 training is becoming increasingly important. One training resource that K9 Medic utilizes is TacMed Simulation Rental Program. Through this program, Jo-Anne Brenner and her K9 Medic team have been able to host a variety of training classes using our K9 Diesel and K9 Hero simulators. These simulators can provide over 28 different features and medical intervention sites to provide training on a wide range of critical life-saving tasks with a realistic experience.

We are thankful for K9 MEDIC® and other similar organizations who provide top-notch training and education for EMS personnel in order to best be prepared for a K9 emergency.

If you are a K9 Handler or part of a K9 Team, seek out proper training and equip yourself with the necessary life-saving medical equipment from TacMed™. Check out our K9 Handler Line here: tacmedsolutions.com/collections/k9-handlers

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American Humane Reunites Retired Military Working Dog with Handler in Arizona

Sunday, October 24th, 2021

PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 18, 2021) – American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, yesterday reunited retired Military Working Dog Irk, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, with Staff Sergeant Sheridyn Rupp, his former handler and best friend, in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We at American Humane honor the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the four-legged military dogs who risk their lives to courageously serve our country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “Tragically, these K-9 veterans are still sometimes separated from their human counterparts, who they formed a deep bond with. We are honored to reunite SSgt Rupp with MWD Irk, and wish Irk a happy, peaceful retirement with the person he loves best.”

MWD Irk is trained as a Patrol Narcotics Detection Dog. He served his time at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois for six years, helping to train his handlers on the basics and tactics of working with a Military Working Dog. MWD Irk worked alongside SSgt Rupp at Scott AFB for 22 months – the longest handler he ever had. While assigned as a team, the two conducted daily trainings on obedience, bite-work, narcotic detection and base security measures. The two have been separated for a year.

“Irk is one of the sweetest K-9’s I have met,” said SSgt Rupp. “He is brave and served with all his heart. However, because of his age he is starting to slow down, and the decision was made to give him a loving home and a couch to lay on for his retirement. I am so grateful to be reunited with Irk and cannot wait to give him the retirement he deserves.”

SSgt Rupp was active duty for eight years. She now serves in the Reserves at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, working as a Diet Therapy Technician.

Retired MWDs often have medical issues stemming from their physical jobs, so American Humane veterinarian Dr. Lesa Staubus travelled to Arizona to ensure MWD Irk’s health and safety. The reunion took place at the Lulu’s Fund headquarters in Phoenix. Lulu’s Fund, which is part of the Timothy T. Day Foundation, supports organizations in the animal rescue community throughout the United States.

American Humane recently launched a Military Working Dog Reunification fund which will make it possible to bring even more of our K-9 veterans home thanks to the generous help of donors. Proceeds from this fund will also provide free specialty and preventative medical care to make retired MWDs as healthy and comfortable as possible during retirement. To donate and support our nation’s furry heroes, including MWD Irk, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Press Release | 2 Comments »