K9 Forensics Recovery Team, Inc.

K9-Forensics Team Retirement Dedications

Ruger's Ace in the hole "Ruger"
AKC German Shepherd
"Ruger" & Mary Peter, CMDT
Mary Peter and K9 Ruger are NNDDA certified in land, rubble, forensics evidence, water recovery, vehicle, and building searches.
(Email) swdogtraining@aol.com

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“K9 Sophie and Troy Fergueson meet the children at Faith Christian Academy on 11/19/08."

FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

K9 Sophie visits with the children and teachers at Faith Christian Academy during the Great American Teach-In on November 19, 2008. K9 Sophie visited with children from first – fifth grade and did a search and obedience demonstration.

“It was great to get to visit you again! Thank you for your prayers for Sophie; keep it up she is improving every day!”

Troy Fergueson

EXPLORER K-8 SCHOOL IN SPRINGHILL
FUNDRAISER / TALENT SHOW TO BENEFIT K9 SOPHIE IS HUGE SUCCESS!

My family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the gifted children at Explorer School in Spring Hill for their wonderful talent show on November 21, 2008 in honor of K9 Sophie. These children worked VERY hard to raise money for Sophie and in a few short weeks amassed a contribution of $1,200 to help pay for Sophie’s continued medical care. The talent show was nothing less than spectacular and showcased these wonderful children singing, playing guitar, dancing, comedy skits, and reciting interesting points about K9 Sophie herself.

Of course we would be remiss not to acknowledge the hard work of

Text Box: Figure 1 Mary Beth and Students at Explorer present a check to Handler, Troy Fergueson, and K9 Sophie on 11/21/08 for $1,200.

We were touched by the generosity, creativity, and motivation of these talented young people. They took on a challenge and cause bigger than themselves. The children committed themselves to helping our family, specifically K9 Sophie, in the battle against her cancer. These children placed Sophie’s cause ahead of their own wants or needs and truly resolved to make a difference in the lives of perfect strangers. These are tomorrow’s leaders; what a great testament of their character is this selfless act of kindness!

We thank you, K9 Sophie thanks you (Woof!), and my family is grateful for you! May God bless each of you.

K9 Sophie, and
Sergeant Troy Fergueson

OAKSTEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MS. BOUFFARD’S CLASS “HELPING SOPHIE LICK CANCER”

My family would like to extend our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to a group of very special 5th graders at Oakstead Elementary School. Ms. Bouffard’s class heard about K9 Sophie’s battle to beat K9 Cancer and wanted to do something to help! The children, under Ms. Bouffard’s guidance, sponsored a school wide fundraiser selling lollypops and lemonaide – the ingenious and creative marketing theme – “Help Sophie Lick Cancer.”

These children worked tirelessly promoting their project over the course of one weekend and raised an impressive, $848.24 to help Sophie with her medical care. K-9 Sophie visited the school on 11/19/08 nto thank the children in person. You guys are the best! Thank you for your caring, hard work, and sacrifice! It was truly a blessing to get to meet each of you!
Text Box: Figure 1: Ms. Bouffard’s class meets K9 Sophie and Sgt. Troy Fergueson during the Great American Teach In on 11/19/08.

“A BUDDY FOR SOPHIE”
Aaron Youpa, 7th grader at Seven Springs Middle School, helped raise money for Sophie by selling golf balls. Now he is heading up efforts at his school to do more.

It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Aaron saw a story in the St. Pete Tmes about Sophie and asked his grandfather if he could send in his last $3 to help Sophie. He then clipped the article and made a poster with the intention of selling golf balls from the back of his grandfather’s golf course home in Trinity. Aaron made $50 selling golf balls!

Now Aaron is heading up a project at Seven Springs Middle School to raise more funds to help with Sophie’s medical care. On 11/19/08 K9 Sophie and Troy Fergueson visited Aaron at his school to thank him in person. K9 Sophie did a search demonstration and visited with all the children.

Aaron Text Box: Figure 1: K9 Sophie and Troy Fergueson meet Aaron Youpa, a student at 7 Springs Middle School who is spearheading a fundraising project for Sophie (11/19/08). ’s example is one we can all learn from; his actions embody true humility and leadership!

The Breakfast Club ~ “Saving Sophie”
10150 Us Highway 19 in Port Richey

My family would like to extend our gratitude to Maureen “MO” Russell and the Breakfast Club Diner in Port Richey for their continued support of K9 Sophie. The Breakfast Club has been collecting donations for K9 Sophie for the last couple of months and has contributed more than $500 to K9 Sophie’s medical bills.

The Breakfast Club, “Were it’s never too early forBreakfast and never too late for lunch.”

K-9 Sophie visited the diner on 11/19/08 to thank the Maureen in person. You guys are the best!

A Big Thank You To:
The Breakfast Club
(727) 862-6288
10150 Us Highway 19
Port Richey, FL 34668

Update November 14, 2008

Our family has cause for celebration! K9 Sophie underwent another Cystoscopy procedure and a Chemo session at the University of Florida (Go Gators) on November 14, 2008. My faithful partner and best friend was all but handed a death sentence on May 5, 2008. Well, I am here to tell you that only six months later K9 Sophie has entered into “uncharted” territory and is now establishing medical case precedent thanks to the WONDERFUL staff of doctors and oncologists at the University of Florida – and of course the support of our community (you)!

Dr. David Lurie and a very special technician, Amy Beaver, brought us news that literally floored us yesterday! K9 Sophie’s cancerous tumor has been reduced/destroyed by an unprecedented by 80% since the original presentation in May. I had the awesome opportunity to look at the digital imagery of the tumor and watch its slow progression into oblivion (it was a miracle to see this occurring). Many of the complications experienced in the very limited number of prior cases are not presenting at all with Sophie. There is little to no scar tissue visible in her urethra. In prior cases by this time scar tissue had become a problem prompting the insertion of a stint to maintain an opening in the urethra. K9 Sophie’s blood work was in the normal range for the first time since diagnosis. The ultrasound does not show any signs of the cancer spreading at this time! Sophie’s Doctor and Staff are literally in uncharted waters; K9 Sophie has exceeded everyone’s expectations and is doing spectacular considering her original prognosis and comparable case studies. Now we must begin a modified chemo regimen and visit the university monthly to move forward in her journey to beat K9 cancer.

K9 Sophie is back on the job and will be working a cold case homicide next week; in addition she is touring several Pasco and Hernando elementary schools to say “thanks” for some amazing fundraising efforts by some very special children! There are three things at work here that have really affected me personally, as a law enforcement officer, and as a father and husband! K9 Sophie is meant to remain with us awhile longer; she has work to perform for the betterment of our community, God is taking care of our little girl. My faith in humanity is renewed in a time in our nation where things seem very bleak by many accounts. The staff at UF is nothing short of miraculous; I cannot say enough about the stellar medical care and level of sincere personal commitment by the members of the veterinary hospital staff.

Thank You…

Dr. David Lurie
Amy Beaver, Veterinary Technician
The many other unsung heroes at UF.
Our Community for rallying to Sophie’s cause and supporting us with your contributions and prayers!

To Be Continued! Please pass this along to your friends who have followed and supported the K9 Sophie journey.

Sophie K9 Sophie,
Troy Fergueson
Hudson, Florida
Telephone: (727) 243-7711
Website: www.K9ForensicsTeam.com
www.getSTS.com
Email: TheSarge011@verizon.net

OCTOBER 2, 2008 – K9 Sophie’s journey to Remission: Cancer Chemo Treatment number 5 at the University of Florida:

During Sophie’s last treatment on October 2, 2008 doctors were reporting her in “clinical remission.” Sophie underwent several blood tests and an ultrasound in addition to her normal chemo treatment. Her physical exam did not show any signs that the cancer was spreading to any other cells; her energy level is up and she is otherwise a big yellow happy Labrador Retriever. K9 Sophie has returned to training and active search work as of this update! Her next Cystoscopy will occur in two months; this is where we really get important feedback on the size of the tumor and can compare its progress to the photos and measurements taken at the time of diagnosis.

Continue your prayers – they have been heard - and thanks to each one of you for your support!

Troy and Laura Fergueson and K9 Sophie!

Sophie's story touches dog-loving boy's heart By Erin Sullivan, Times Staff Writer - In print: Sunday, September 21, 2008 - Link to Article at the St. Pete Times

TRINITY — Aaron Youpa wrote the letter before telling his grandparents. After he was done, he showed it to them to see if it was okay. What they read made them cry, even his grandpa, Richard Youpa, a 74-year-old who grew up hard on a farm and now lives in a lovely home on a golf course, but whose toughness didn't leave him. He doesn't seem to cry easily. And that evening, in his recliner, he did.

"Dear Sophie and Troy Fergueson,

I'm so sorry for Sophie and you and what you have to go through…"

Sophie is a forensic dog battling cancer and Sgt. Fergueson is her owner. He helped create the K9 Forensics Recovery Team, which is a nonprofit group of law enforcement officers and specially trained dogs that find people who have died but whose bodies are missing.

Sophie can ride in a boat and smell a body underwater and has such a good nose that she's hit on pre-Civil War graves. She has helped to locate murder weapons (even years old, with the blood wiped off and buried) and can tell any place human remains have been stored.

Fergueson works with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, but the forensics team is all volunteer. Sophie is his family's dog. Her character and talent led Fergueson to train her for forensics and to create the nonprofit group, which has worked on local high-profile cases such as Jessica Lunsford and Sandra Prince — and national ones, such as Natalee Holloway in Aruba and helping to recover the dead from Hurricane Katrina.

Then in May, doctors found out that Sophie had inoperable cancer in her urethra. Her only hope was a new and expensive treatment — at least $16,000 — at the University of Florida. Fergueson made an appointment and he and his wife put the first payment of $7,000 on a credit card they had just paid off. It was going to be a long battle, with many trips to Gainesville for chemotherapy and scopes and tests and prayers.

The community embraced Sophie and donations poured in. In August, a story in the St. Petersburg Times told Sophie's story and Aaron Youpa read it at Seven Springs Middle School, where he is in the seventh grade.

He had just $3, from babysitting a neighbor's dog, but he wanted to give it to Sophie. In the letter, Aaron told Sophie and Sgt. Fergueson that his dog, a 15-year-old poodle named Wassa, died last fall. He misses Wassa.

"So just remember, don't give up on yourself or Sophie," he wrote.

"If I had a dog, I would want one as calm and brave as Sophie."

Aaron asked his grandpa if it was okay to send only $3, since that was all he had.

"Do you think they'd mind?" he asked. His grandfather said no, not at all, and he and his wife of 51 years were taken aback by the pure heart of their grandson.

Soon after sending the letter, Aaron asked if he could sell golf balls on the cart path to raise more money for Sophie. As their back yard is on the course, they find about a dozen balls a week.

Aaron clipped out the story and pasted it to a piece of cardboard to make a sign. He wrote: Golf Ball Sales for Saving Sophie. He told three balls for $1 and, at the end of the day, had $50 and sent it to Fergueson.

Since the article, more than $3,000 in donations have been sent to help Sophie.

At her last appointment, the doctors said her tumor has reduced by 65 percent. She's in clinical remission, but has to continue getting chemotherapy until her tumor is gone.

Aaron's kindness touched Fergueson. So Fergueson plotted with Aaron's grandmother and, on Friday evening, surprised Aaron by showing up at their house with Sophie.

Aaron, who is tall and lean like his grandfather, was shy, and softly petted Sophie. His grandmother, who made pot roast for dinner because it was a special night, took photos and his grandfather stood back, proud.

"It doesn't take much to make a big difference," Fergueson said to Aaron. "And you figured that out." Aaron smiled and shook his hand. He barely spoke above a whisper and said that when he read about Sophie, he thought about his dog and how he couldn't save him. But he could help Sophie, so, in his mind, it was simple: If you can, you should, without question.

Times researcher Shirl Kennedy contributed to this report.

Greetings family, friends, and doggie lovers:

I have made two trips to the University of Florida and two trips to Petco of Wesley Chapel since our last health blog and update. I have some news to share with all of you; I must first thank you for your prayers and continued support of K9 Sophie – it has paid off!

Since our last update we have had two radiation treatments and TODAY, August 20, 2008 Sophie had her third Cystoscopy to take photos and measurements of the cancerous tumor. Since the initial diagnosis back in May the doctor is reporting a 60% reduction on the tumor and no signs of growth or spread to any other systems. The oncologist says we are very close to being able to declare “Clinical Remission” of the carcinoma. It was your prayers and donations that helped make this possible.

When I walked into the hospital today it was like a scene from the old television sitcom Cheers; everyone knows Sophie’s name and they all cater to her health needs. Today I was near tears when they showed me a collage the oncology department had erected along the hallway of the hospital. The collage is a collection of K9 Sophie’s journey and battle with cancer; there are news clippings from local news papers, CNN, and pictures of Sophie with all the doctors and their staff members. We are very luck to have such great people at UF and great people who helped us get there.

Petco of Wesley Chapel supported Sophie with a store fundraiser last month – they also donated a generous supply of dog food and toys to K9 Sophie (she loves to eat ya’ know).

K9 Sophie would have surely died by this time if we had not have found this breakthrough treatment at UF! Instead she is ready to go back to search work, happy and full of energy!

We will talk again soon!

Troy Fergueson
Hudson, Florida
Telephone: (727) 243-7711
Email: TheSarge011@verizon.net

Hello Everyone: K9 Sophie Health and Care Progress Report as of July 9, 2008.

We took K9 Sophie to the University of Florida on July 2, 2008 for her second Cystoscopy in 6 weeks; she also received her second dose of chemo-therapy at the same time. We waited for almost six hours to hear back from the doctors and then the news came….Sophie' s tumor has started to break apart, there is more scar tissue now and the tumor has been 55% destroyed by her intense treatments. This is a 15% improvement since her first follow-up last month. Her doctors and the oncologist staff were very optimistic and say her treatment is progressing very well. We are not in remission as of this update; however my little girl is fighting this thing with all she' s got. The medical staff has been nothing short of phenomenal. The have erected a collage of Sophie' s case on the walls of the Oncology wing and medical students add to it with each visit and news article that comes along. Our family has been given the red carpet treatment at UF; they have gone out of their way to provide the best of care they are insistent that the same doctor and oncologist treat Sophie on each visit to ensure consistency of care and can avail themselves of first hand case knowledge from the beginning and throughout the battle.

What' s happening back in town, here in Pasco County Florida? Fox 13 of Tampa Bay did a feature news story on Sophie and her journey thus far. You can read it by clocking on the link to http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=6908166&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=5.7.1 . K9 SOPHIE IS BACK TO WORK!!! On July 4, 2008 (ironically enough on Independence Day) my telephone rang. The Pasco Sheriff's Office needed a forensic K9 to respond to a home where human bones had been discovered. K9 Sophie was less than 48 hours out of Chemo but it did not matter. As soon as I put on my uniform she ran outside and waited eagerly to get in the patrol car and do her thing. We were tasked with clearing two residential properties and to check the bones found at the scene. K9 Sophie completed her search as if she never missed a beat and was right on task that is all I can say for now the case is still open. One of her partners, K9 Calli and handler, Sam Pepenella worked the scenes with us as well; it was a great day.

Now come on out and meet Sophie at Petco of Tampa! Petco, the pet superstore, heard about K9 Sophie' s case on Fox 13 television. K9 Sophie will be at their Wesley Chapel Store located at 1231 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (Near County Line Road) on this Saturday, July 12, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again next Saturday for their disaster preparedness day, July 19, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to meet and greet the public who has so graciously came to our aid. Every shopper that buys something at Petco will have an opportunity for part of the purchase to go to K9 Sophie and the K9 Forensic Team.

Sophie's fund has now reached the $22,000 dollar mark YOU DID THIS FOR US! We will likely be able to cover any unforeseen medical treatments barring any complications. The fundraising continues however as we have started a fund, The Sophie Carondelet K9 Relief Fund, a non-profit fund to cover Sophie' s care indefinitely as we no longer get insurance for her. If the cancer does not remit, or another laser procedure is required to beat this thing we will be able to do whatever it takes! We wont quit on her! But beyond this, our dogs are volunteers and local law enforcement agencies provide us with ZERO health benefits for the canines. If another K9 befalls the same fate I do not want anyone else to go through what my family is presently enduring all be it much easier with the generous support of our community! Petco wants to help! If you would like to meet Sophie come to Petco this Saturday we have received a lot of support in Wesley Chapel and Tampa please come and see us so that we may thank you in person.

Sophie' s next treatment is the last week in July more to come! Continue your prayers!

BayNews9

“View the Bay News 9 Story on our K9 Sophie,
CSI of dog world has cancer.” Bay News 9 Story

View the Bay News 9 Story on our K9 Sophie,
"Donations Pay for CSI Dog' s Cancer Surgery." Bay News 9 Story

View the CNN News Story on K9 Sofphie
"Donations Save Police Dog" CNN Story

K9 Forensics Team, K9 Sophie - Troy Fergueson's Canine Partner Needs Your Help

As many of you know my K9 partner (Sophie) and I are among the three co-founding members of the K9 Forensics Recovery Team. We were recently honored by proclamation of the county commission for our work in the community. We are all law enforcement officers with certified forensic K9 partners specializing in the recovery of victims from homicide, natural disasters, and personal tragedy. My faithful companion (Sophie) has many finds to her credit – I have watched families break down (cry) and hug my dog after locating a drowning victim. I have watched the look of relief and closure on family members when Sophie found the remains of a homicide victim buried in a wooded area in Hudson – today the mans awaits execution for his crime.

TO OPEN PRINT OR DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE FLYER CLICK HERE
K9 Forensics Recovery Team
A Non-Profit Organization
www.k9forensicsteam.com

Update on Sophie (June 9, 2008)
Hello friends:

I wanted to take a moment and update each of you on K9 Sophie' s present health many of you have asked to be on the mail list, thank you. Thanks to each one of you for your faithful support and prayers for my K9 Sophie during her battle with cancer. We went to the University Hospital Friday morning for her first Cystoscopy post surgery. It has been two weeks since her initial surgery (Stereo Tactical Radiation Surgery) at UF. On our follow-up visit Friday I was permitted to see the before and after scope photos. Dr. Lurie was very encouraged as the tumor had reduced in size by 40% in only two weeks. K9 Sophie' s follow-up comes 4 weeks earlier than in some prior case histories they are watching her case closely. In other cases the doctor said he had seen as much as 70% reduction after 4-5 weeks. Sophie' s has reduced by 40% in half the time THAT IS GREAT NEWS! Her urethra is no longer obstructed and she is able to have normal bowel movements again MORE GOOD NEWS! Sophie had her first dose of chemo while she was there as well; she has had no adverse reactions to the chemo other than her energy level being low for about 48 hours. Her doctors tell me she is authorized to go back into service in between treatments barring any complications.

Such a traumatic and stressful time in our family' s life has been much easier thanks to the efforts of generous people like you I am grateful for your support and your prayers they are being answered in the affirmative. Sophie' s next treatment is July 2, 2008 at Gainesville again they have us going to UF so she can additional Cystoscopys each time to measure the progress of the tumor! While we were at the UF a local news paper, The Gainesville Sun, did a story on K9 Sophie and the procedure she is undergoing. I linked the story to this email so you can take a look if you like. Turns our Sophie is only the fourth dog to have this done and UF is the only place in the USA performing this groundbreaking surgery on dogs.

We have been very luck thus far! Thank You Much! See the latest story in Gainesville Sun on this link http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080607/NEWS/806070304/1002/NEWS/Surgery_gives_hope_for_police_dog

Tampa Bay' s Ten news contacted me today and have requested to do a story this week also I will let you all know.

Very Truly Yours

Troy Fergueson
Hudson, Florida
Telephone: (727) 243-7711

Our community has called upon K-9 Sophie on countless occasions over the past six years to locate victims of homicides, natural disasters, and personal tragedies – she has answered the call every time!

NOW OUR “SOPHIE” FACES HER OWN LIFE THREATENING CRISIS AND NEEDS THE COMMUNITY TO COME TO HER AID!

On May 5, 2008 K9 Sophie was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma, an inoperable cancer in her urethra. A few years ago this kind of diagnosis would spell the tragic end of a canine’s life. However, thanks to advancements in modern medicine at the University of Florida, Gainesville K-9 Sophie’s life can be spared and she can once again return to service as a forensic canine!

The procedure and five follow-up radiation treatments are very costly! Medical care once completed will total $13,000. I am not able to place a value on the life of my loyal companion and search partner. She is a member of our family, still in her prime, and a certified mission ready forensic K-9 with many good years of search work in her future with the community’s help.

Please help the K9 Forensics Recovery Team save our Sophie’s life by making a tax deductible donation to the “Save Our Sophie” (SOS) Fund. Checks may be made out to the K-9 Forensics Recovery Team memo to earmark the SOS fund. Please take a moment to learn more about the K9 Forensic Team by visiting our website. Contact Troy or Laura Fergueson directly at the numbers and address provided below.

Troy Fergueson
Save our Sophie Fund
C/O The K-9 Forensics Recovery Team
PO Box 743
Port Richey, FL 34673

(727) 243 – 7711 Troy
(352) 585 – 6651 Laura

Email: thesarge011@verizon.net (HOME EMAIL)
tfergueson@pascosheriff.org (WORK EMAIL)
On The Web: www.k9forensicsteam.com (OUR WEB SITE)

www.shanesribshack.com

Auction: Saturday, June 21st, 2008 FUNDRAISER June 16th thru
July 13th
Join us for a BBQ / Silent Auction benefiting the Save our Sophie Fund and The K-9 Forensics Recovery Team, featuring great food, great friends, and a great cause.
Join us in honoring Sophie!!!
Our community has called upon K-9 Sophie on countless occasions over the past six years to locate victims of homicides, natural disasters, and personal tragedies she has answered the call every time! FACES HER OWN NOW OUR SOPHIE LIFE THREATENING CRISIS AND NEEDS THE COMMUNITY TO COME TO HER AID!
On May 5, 2008 K9 Sophie was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma , an inoperable cancer in her urethra. A few years ago this kind of diagnosis would spell the tragic end of a canine' s life. However, thanks to advancements in modern medicine at the University of Florida, Gainesville K-9 Sophie' s life can be spared and she can once again return to service as a forensic canine! Please help the K9 Forensics Recovery Team save our Sophie' s life by joining us for the BBQ / Silent Auction at Shane' s Rib Shack.

SOPHIE Fund Raiser June 16th thru July 13th details below at all Pasco County Shane' s rib Shacks: Collier/54 and Suncoast/54
Silent Auction will be held at Shane' s Rib Shack June 21st (16540 Point Village, Suite 112, Lutz, FL 33558) from 4PM 7PM. Silent Auction will close @ 6:00PM Shane' s will donate $.50 for every sandwich combo purchase and $1.00 for every plate or platter purchase to the Sophie fund from June 16th to July 13th, just mention you would like your purchase to support Sophie and we will take care of the rest….so come hungry!!
Silent auction items include restaurant and hotel gift certificates, spa services, autographed sports memorabilia, baskets, pet items, golf, fishing equipment, and much more!!! All Silent Auction proceeds will go to Sophie!! Come eat, bid, and win!!!
Contact Christy Cihak @ 813.404.6710 with auction donations or questions.

Mary has been training dogs professionally since 1987 and owns Stillwater Dog Training, Inc., a dog obedience-training center in Brooksville, Florida. Mary is a graduate of National K9 (a college accredited school for Dog Trainers) and is certified as a Master Dog Trainer in the fields of basic and advanced obedience, personal protection, tracking, utility, police K9, retrieval, assistance dog training and kennel management. Mary and her K9 Ruger are also certified in the detection of human remains.

Mary specializes in the field of canine behavior and is recognized in the 2002-2003 National Register’s Who’s Who for her continuing efforts and success in the field of dog training and behavior counseling. Veterinarians in several counties recommend her for her expertise in training and behavior management. Mary and her K9 Ruger have worked together to accomplish several titles, i.e., CGC, CD, TDI, TT, SAR. Mary is also the founder and K9 trainer for the K9 Forensics Recovery Team, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that specializes in the detection of human remains and forensics evidence. Mary was awarded "Bay News 9 2005 Everyday Hero Award".

German Shepherd / Belgium Malinois
K-9 Koda and Harold “J.R.” Hutchinson Jr.

J.R. Hutchinson began his law enforcement career with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in January of 1994. He has served as a Patrol Deputy, Community Policing Deputy, S.W.A.T. team member, Juvenile Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and he is currently assigned as a Sergeant in charge of the agencies Street Crimes Unit and the Reserve Deputy Program. J.R. has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Pasco Hernando Community College, as well as, many law enforcement certificates. These include; Field Training Officer, Basic and Advanced S.W.A.T. Tactics, and First Line Supervision. J.R. has received three ribbons of commendation and deputy of the quarter for outstanding service to his agency. J.R. obtained K-9 Koda to serve as a member of his family, however, quickly realized that she would be more than just a pet. J.R. and Koda are currently training in the field of Human Remains Detection and Advanced Obedience.

Cindy Baratta
Team Trainer
Certified in Pet CPR and First Aide
Email cbaratta@tampabay.rr.com

Cindy is originally from Maine and moved to Spring Hill after a successful career in the insurance industry. She decided to be a K9 Forensics Recovery Team member wanting to contribute to her community and make a difference. Cindy attended the University of Southern Maine taking courses in Accounting I & II and Business Finance. She has also received a Certificate of Completion for a course in Assertiveness Training for Women. Since Joining the team, Cindy has been certified in "Pet CPR & First Aid". She has received a "Certificate of Training" for the completion of the Human Remains Detector Dog Seminar given by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Academy in Beaumont, Texas. Cindy and her pet Great Dane "Greta" have been certified in Basic & Advanced Obedience.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

“Cali” & Sam Pepenella

Sam Pepenella retired from the K9 Forensics Recovery Team in August 2008 after suffering the sudden and tragic loss of “Cali,” his faithful K9 companion. Cali was a skilled search dog with many recoveries to her credit – recoveries which provided peace and closure for families suffering the loss of a loved one – may God rest her soul.

Sam was one of the original founding members of the K9 Forensics Recovery Team in September 2001, a certified trainer by the NNDDA, the president of the team, a volunteer – IS our friend. Were it not for Sam Pepenella’s tireless dedication, personal sacrifice, and continued leadership, the K9 Forensics Recovery Team would not enjoy the success, respect, nor perhaps exist as it does today.

Each day across out great country there are many Americans who demonstrate their capacity for performing selfless acts of goodness. I refer to a spirit that sets aside superficial desires in favor of the needs of our fellow man – it is what makes our country great! Sam Pepenella catalyzes this sprit; he has touched the lives of many through his work with the K9 Forensics Recovery Team and he will be greatly missed! Sam’s service will not stop however, because we know his life is about service – to his family, to his community, and to his fellow man. Thank you for your service Sam!

Good Luck Brother