2021 AKC Paw of Courage Recipients

K9 Kozmo was a five-year-old Dutch Shepherd mix who served the Mesquite Police Department honorably for more than four years with his partner, Officer Crawford. In late April 2021, the Mesquite Police Department was assisting a neighboring agency in a vehicle pursuit involving multiple armed robbery suspects. Two of the suspects were immediately apprehended and another two fled into a nearby wooded area. K9 Kozmo and his partner Officer Crawford were called in to track the suspects. During the subsequent search, K9 Kozmo was killed by one of the suspects.

When K9 Kozmo was not patrolling the streets, he was busy doing public demonstrations, educating and interacting with members of the Mesquite community. He was a loyal partner to his handler and a dedicated servant to the community.

K9 Arlo is a two-year-old German Shepherd Dog working to serve the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in Washington with his partner, Deputy Turpin since late 2019. As deputies attempted to make contact with a vehicle that was driving recklessly this past January, a pursuit initiated. When law enforcement made contact with the driver, shots were fired, and the suspect and K9 Arlo were both struck. Arlo was rushed to the emergency veterinarian with two bullet wounds – one in his shoulder and another in his hind leg. One bullet was discovered to be lodged near Arlo’s spine, requiring a major surgery.

Using the social media app, TikTok, Deputy Turpin has gained 65,000 followers for K9 Arlo, contributing to the $40,000 raised for his care. K9 Arlo is now home with his partner, Deputy Turpin and is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.