Watauga County Working Dog Association

10/15/2025

💙🐾 K9 Hattie is Back! 🐾💙

We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news — K9 Hattie, with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team, has made a full recovery and is back to doing what she loves most — serving her community alongside her handler, Sgt. Richardson! 🙌🐶

After facing complications from a recent medical procedure, Hattie has healed perfectly and returned to duty with her signature energy, enthusiasm, and determination. This young K9 has already shown incredible resilience and heart, and we couldn’t be prouder of her progress. 💛

Thank you to everyone who sent thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement during her recovery — your support means the world to our K9 teams.

Welcome back, K9 Hattie! 💙

10/02/2025

💙🐾 Please Keep K9 Hattie in Your Thoughts 🐾💙

Our newest member of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team, K9 Hattie, is currently experiencing complications following a recent medical procedure.

We kindly ask our community to keep K9 Hattie, her handler Sgt. Richardson, and their family in your thoughts and prayers as she begins the healing process. 🙏🐶

K9 Hattie is a young, spirited partner who has already shown so much promise, and we are hopeful for a strong recovery so she can return to doing the job she loves.

Thank you for your continued support of our K9s and their handlers. 💛

09/04/2025

🐾 Working Dogs Wednesday 🐾

This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight the newest member of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit – K9 Hattie! 🎉

K9 Hattie just turned 1 year old and is already full of energy and spirit. She just recently completed her training with Highland Canine Training LLC — passing with flying colors — and is ready to put her skills to work in service of Watauga County. 💪🐕

When she’s off duty, Hattie loves to roughhouse with her buddy Goose, play endless games of fetch, and will happily accept just about any treat you offer. 🍖🐶 Her favorite pastime, though, might just be meeting new people!

We’re so excited to welcome K9 Hattie and her handler, Sgt. Richardson, to the WCSO K9 team. We know this duo will do incredible things for our community, and we can’t wait to watch them grow together. 💙

08/27/2025

🐾 Working Dogs Wednesday 🐾

This week, we’re excited to introduce K9 Diesel with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office! Diesel is a 4-year-old single-purpose detection K9 who just recently celebrated his birthday. 🎉🐶

K9 Diesel carries a name with deep meaning — he was named in memory of Deputy William Mast, with Deputy Mast’s son having a special part in helping choose the name. 💙

When he’s not hard at work serving the community, Diesel loves spending time with his handler, Lt. C. Hicks, and their family — and of course, chasing after his favorite ball. 🎾

We’re proud to celebrate K9 Diesel and the lasting legacy he represents through both his service and his name.

08/20/2025

🐾 Working Dogs Wednesday 🐾

Meet K9 Mitzi, a 4-year-old explosives detection dog who has been proudly serving with her handler, Officer T. Greene at the Appalachian State University Police Department since 2022.

Mitzi is toy-driven and nothing makes her tail wag more than getting her tennis ball reward after a job well done. 🎾 She and her handler train nearly every day to stay sharp, and her love for work shows in everything she does.

When she’s not on duty, Mitzi enjoys some well-deserved downtime — and her favorite off-duty activity is wrestling with her best buddy Noir, a golden doodle. 🐕

Mitzi is a perfect example of the dedication and spirit that makes our K9s so special. Thank you to Mitzi and her handler for helping to keep Watauga County safe! 💛

08/06/2025

🐾 Working Dogs Wednesday 🐾

This week, we’re honored to introduce K9 Chris, a 4.5-year-old single-purpose detection K9 with a very special name and mission.

K9 Chris was named in memory of Sgt. Chris Ward, who gave his life in the line of duty serving Watauga County. Her name is a daily reminder of his sacrifice and the strength of our law enforcement family.

Chris works alongside her handler, Sgt. Greene, with an unshakable bond and sharp focus in the field. Off duty, she’s known for her sweet side — especially her love for ice cubes, her favorite treat. 🧊🐶

With every search and sniff, K9 Chris carries on a legacy of service, honor, and protection.

Join us in thanking K9 Chris and Sgt. Greene for their work in keeping Watauga County safe. 💙

07/24/2025

Good morning, Watauga County! 🌄🐾

As we kick off another day in the High Country, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible K9s who work tirelessly to serve and protect our community. From tracking suspects to detecting narcotics and explosives, these four-legged officers are truly heroes on paws.

Their dedication, loyalty, and unmatched skills help keep Watauga County safe every single day — and we couldn’t be more proud to support them.

Let’s hear it for the hardworking K9s and the amazing handlers who stand beside them! 💛🐕

07/23/2025

🐾 Working Dogs Wednesday 🐾
On this episode of WDW, meet Yaya – a 7-year-old explosives detection Labrador Retriever who has been proudly serving at Appalachian State University since 2020.

Yaya works alongside her handler, Lt. K. Wilson, and brings her calm, focused energy and reliable nose to every assignment. She is responsible for ensuring the safety of thousands during App State football games and at many campus events where potential threats may arise.

She’s a vital part of keeping our community safe, and when she’s not on duty, she’s just as sweet and lovable as she looks! 💛🐕

We’re proud to spotlight Yaya this week and celebrate the hard work and dedication of all our K9 partners across Watauga County.

07/22/2025

🐾🎉 Join us at Paw Palooza! 🎉🐾
We’re excited to team up with the Watauga Humane Society for this fun-filled community event!

Come out and meet our amazing K9 handlers, see live demonstrations, and learn more about the procedures and training that go into working with these incredible dogs. 🐕‍🦺👮‍♂️

It’s a great opportunity to support local animals, ask questions, and see our working dogs in action!

📍 312 Paw Way, Boone, NC 28607.
📅 Saturday, July 26. 12:30 to 4:30.

We hope to see you there!

BOONE, NC — Get ready to paws and celebrate! Watauga Humane Society is thrilled to announce its first-ever Pawpalooza, a pet-focused festival taking place on Saturday, July 26, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Watauga Humane Society’s Adoption Center (312 Paws Way, Boone). Pawpalooza promises a...

07/16/2025

🐾 Working Dogs Wednesday 🐾
This week, we’re proud to spotlight K9 Milo with the Boone Police Department!

Milo is a 3.5-year-old German Shepherd who serves our community alongside his handler, Corporal Evan Laws. Known for his sharp focus and loyal spirit, Milo plays a vital role in keeping Boone safe—whether it's tracking, detection, or patrol work.

We are honored to support incredible K9 teams like Milo and Corporal Laws who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting.

Stay tuned every Wednesday as we introduce the dedicated working dogs of Watauga County who serve with courage and heart. 💙🐶