K-9 Arko receives financial award from the Veterans and First Responders (VFR) Foundation's Howling Heroes division

Connor Ball, Star Beacon, Ashtabula, Ohio
·2 min read

Feb. 24—The Veterans and First Responders (VFR) Foundations Howling Heroes division awarded K-9 First Responder Arko from Ashtabula the K-9 Guardian Award, which will provide Arko's family with $5,000 per year for medical and wellness expenses.

According to a press release, these expenses could include things such as routine veterinary office visits, prescriptions, treatment from accidents or illnesses, rehabilitation, physical therapy.

"We are very excited to provide these K-9s and their families with this award," said VFR Foundation Founder Dave Knott. "These brave animals serve and protect the line of duty, and deserve to be financially provided for and stay with their handlers and families in their retirement."

These canines become part of the handler's family.

"They're in the car together for 12 hours," Knott said.

According to the VFR website, Officer Spencer Gale was Arko's handler for the Narcotics and Apprehension Patrol for the city of Ashtabula's Police Department. Arko is an 11-year-old Dutch and German shepherd mix. He started duty on Jan. 15, 2015 and retired on Oct. 18, 2021.

Arko served the citizens of Ashtabula for over six years. He kept the officers and citizens in his community safe with 12 physical apprehensions and countless non-physical apprehensions during his career, according to the release. Arko has also detected large quantities of illegal drugs including meth, heroin and fentanyl.

Over a two-year period, Knott put together Howling Heroes, a program that provides these K9 responders an insurance policy so that they will have full medical coverage.

"We're giving the dogs security," Knott said. "They've earned this."

Knott is passionate about trying to get these dogs the care they need after lifelong dedicated service.

According to Knott, the canines go through a lot of wear and tear out in the field over time. The vet bills will be the highest after the dogs retire.

"They all have a story to tell," Knott said. "They all have a life that they've saved."

If you would like to support these canine responders, you can go to the VFR Foundation website.