From Candidate to Commando

Born on December 29, 2008, in the Netherlands, Herk’s journey to greatness began in April 2010 when he was hand-selected by the DoD. After arriving at Lackland AFB, he entered intense training where he didn't just meet the standards—he shattered them. His military trainers described him as dedicated, driven, affectionate, and loyal. On December 9, 2010, he officially earned the title of Military Working Dog.

Guardian of Vance Air Force Base

Assigned to the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance AFB, OK, Herk served as a Patrol/Narcotics Detector Dog from 2011 to 2017. His impact was massive:

A Loyal Partner: Served alongside five different handlers and hundreds of Airmen.

Criminal Deterrence: Conducted over 100 attack demonstrations and countless patrols.

Detection Capabilities: Credited with seizing over 5 ounces of marijuana and a final, critical find of felony-amount black tar heroin.

A Well-Deserved Retirement

In November 2017, Herk hung up his harness. He traded chasing decoys for hunting table scraps and playing with his family. Herk was a "normal" dog who finally got to roam free and fill their home with love. He was the best dog a family could ask for.

Final Honors

On August 10, 2024, Herk was laid to rest with full honors at the Michigan War Dog Memorial. He now stands among his brothers and sisters in arms, a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by our K9 heroes.

The Service Journey

Ella was trained for the high-stakes world of explosives detection, but she marched to the beat of her own drum. While she was a powerhouse in patrol—standing tall against threats with a solid bite and remaining steady under gunfire—the world of scent detection wasn't where her heart lay.

Her trainers noted her "medium" search drive and a bit of a lackadaisical attitude toward the hunt. She was a "marker" who looked to her handler for cues, often walking away from a source once she found it rather than giving the formal response. After 60 days of training, it became clear: Ella wasn't destined to be a detection dog, but she was destined to be a companion.

Finding Her Forever "Post"

Recognizing her gentle spirit and her preference for a slower pace, it was recommended that Ella be placed for adoption. On October 4, 2013, Ella’s life changed forever when she was adopted by Michael Smith.

Away from the warehouses and the pressure of certification, Ella finally found the role she was born for: a beloved family member. Her legacy isn't just in the uniform she wore, but in the lives she touched and the bond she shared with those who saw her for the loyal soul she truly was.

"Not every hero wears a badge, and not every warrior stays on the battlefield. Some heroes are meant to spend their days in the sunshine of a backyard."