K9 Heroes Foundation

04/01/2026

I wasn’t going to say anything yet… but word travels fast around here.

After months of observation, dedication, and what I would describe as exceptional emotional intelligence, I’ve officially been cleared to assist with patrol.
Yes. That patrol.

Before you ask, yes, I can reach the pedals.
No, I will not be taking questions about how.

My responsibilities include:
• Riding along to keep morale high
• Monitoring for suspicious activity (mostly squirrels)
• Providing emotional support during traffic stops
• Testing the sirens (my personal favorite)

Deputy Downey says I still need a little more “training” before I can drive solo, but I think he’s underestimating me.

For now, I’ll be in the passenger seat… watching, learning, and preparing for my moment. If you see us out, don’t worry.
Everything is under control.

—Strider

Future Driver. Current Good Boy.

03/04/2026

TRHS Vivace Choir sang happy birthday to Strider today! He loved the extra attention.

03/03/2026

It’s Strider’s Birthday!!! 🐾🎉
Our favorite four-legged therapy hero is officially a year old today — and we’re celebrating ALL month long!
We have some big (like… really BIG 👀) announcements coming your way. New projects. New milestones. And a few surprises we’ve been working on behind the scenes.
If you love watching Strider connect with students, support Deputy Downey, and spread calm in the chaos… you’re going to love what’s next.
Stay tuned. Birthday month is just getting started. 💙🐾

02/26/2026

Strider spent the day at with SRO, Deputy Powell. You can tell he had a pretty great day. 🤣

02/24/2026

Deputy Downey wasn’t totally sure how I’d feel about basketball games at first. So many people. So much noise. So much cheering.
But guess what? I love it.
There’s something about being there together—standing on the sidelines, watching the game, feeling the energy in the gym. Senior Night was extra special, and I was proud to be part of it.
Sometimes, when Deputy Downey has to leave me home for a game, I get a little sad. I like being his partner. I like being where he is. And I really like all the head scratches during halftime.
Crowds? Loud buzzers? Bright lights?
Turns out… I can handle it. 🐾
Just me and my deputy, doing what we do best.
💙🐶

02/23/2026

Deputy Downey and I got to visit a scout troop and talk about working dogs! I loved meeting all the kids, showing off some of my tricks, and demonstrating what it means to be a therapy dog in training.
We talked about how working dogs learn, practice, and build trust with their handlers. I did my best “sit,” “down,” and very impressive “look adorable while listening” move.
Thanks for inviting us and for all the great questions. I had the best time meeting future leaders (and collecting some top-tier head scratches).
10/10 would present again. 💙🐾

02/12/2026

💕🐾 Strider + Thunder Ridge Choir = The Sweetest Valentine Delivery 🎶💌
This Valentine’s Day, Strider has teamed up with the incredible Thunder Ridge Choir to bring smiles to students and faculty at Thunder Ridge High School!
When students purchase a Vale-gram (a live musical Valentine delivered by choir members 🎶), they can choose to add on a special Strider Valentine for an extra dose of encouragement and joy.
(If you remember, the choir surprised Deputy Downey with a Jingle Gram at Christmas — so we already know how magical these deliveries can be!)
💛 Want to help a student who might not otherwise receive a Valentine?
You can sponsor one student for $10 and send a Vale-gram to someone who could use a reminder that someone cares.
Venmo
Put “Valegram” in the memo.
These sponsored deliveries will go to students who may need a little extra kindness this season.
Because sometimes the most important Valentine isn’t romantic…
It’s the reminder that you matter. 🐾
CommunityKindness YouMatter

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=4483402744989700830&created=1770932675.529955&printed=1

02/04/2026

Hi. I’m Strider.
I go to school.
I help kids feel safe.
I give comfort when words are hard. 🐾
And apparently… I’m in the news.
This article shares my story and why I take my job very seriously—showing up for students, building trust, and reminding them they’re not alone.
If you want to know what a therapy dog really does in a school, this says it best.

https://www.idahoednews.org/news/meet-strider-a-therapy-provider-with-a-tail-and-a-talent-for-connecting-with-kids/

01/30/2026

Throwback Thursday 🐾
Just me, meeting new people and learning that kindness comes in a lot of different forms. Every hello helps me practice staying calm, confident, and connected as I continue my journey as a therapy dog in training.
Still learning. Still growing. Still wagging. 💙

01/27/2026

While Deputy Downey was out of town, I had a whole team making sure I was taken care of, on schedule, and feeling very loved.
Big thank-you tail wags to Deputy Sperry, Deputy Powell, Deputy Smith, and Kristin McDaniel for walking me, guiding me, and helping me keep learning while I’m a therapy dog in training.
Because of them, I didn’t miss a single school day, snuggle opportunity, or chance to practice being my best self.
Thanks for taking such good care of me. I felt very safe… and very spoiled. 🐾💙

01/27/2026

01/25/2026

Strider got a pic with some of the Thunder Ridge STUCO members after the game. ⚡️⚡️⚡️