Home / Lifestyle / Free Rehab Extends Hero Dog Careers
Free Rehab Extends Hero Dog Careers
10 Mar
Summary
- A nonprofit offers free rehabilitation for K-9 unit dogs.
- Treatment methods include laser therapy and cross-training.
- Extending careers saves law enforcement agencies $75,000 annually.

Law enforcement K-9 units play a crucial role in community safety, but their demanding work often leads to physical strain. A nonprofit initiative is now offering specialized rehabilitation to counteract this wear and tear, effectively prolonging the careers of these dedicated animals. Stevan Allen, founder of Sierra Peaks Animal Rehabilitation and its nonprofit arm Friends of Sierra, provides this vital care at no cost to agencies.
Allen's approach, inspired by orthopedic sports medicine, utilizes techniques such as laser therapy and cross-training. This specialized treatment has been instrumental in doubling the careers of K-9s like BOLO, a retired Denver Sheriff Department narcotics detection dog. His handler, Deputy Michelle Padilla, shared that BOLO retired healthy, a testament to Allen's preventative care.
The economic benefits of this program are substantial. Allen estimates that extending a K-9's career by just one year can save a law enforcement agency approximately $75,000. The demand for these services is high, with Allen currently treating about a dozen K-9s and a waitlist of over 20 dogs seeking participation.




