Download the K-9 Security Program Impact Report (PDF format)
 

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“Through your contribution, our hard-working handler-K9 security teams will have the resources they need to enhance their ability to provide not only a safe and healing environment at our medical centers, but also comfort as they cheer those who may need it.

You can be sure that each and every time I encounter HonorHealth’s K-9 security teams (which I do often!), I will think of you and  again be grateful for your generosity!”

— Todd LaPorte
CEO, HonorHealth

 

 

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Prepared to respond where and when it’s needed!

Because of you

HonorHealth’s K-9 Security Program exists and continues to thrive because of philanthropic support. Your compassion and generosity ensure that every highly trained K-9 team is prepared to respond the moment they’re needed.

Your gifts make so much possible. In addition to the significant cost of acquiring these specialized dogs, philanthropy provides for their expert training, nutrition, veterinary care, equipment and even the toys that keep them focused and engaged.

Your support matters now more than ever. Like hospitals nationwide, HonorHealth faces a growing number of potentially volatile situations. Our K-9 teams play a vital role in creating a safe, reassuring environment for our patients, staff and visitors.

As the program expands to serve additional HonorHealth locations, the need for more officers, trained dogs and critical resources grows as well.

Thank you for your continued generosity and belief in this essential service. Your commitment keeps our campuses safe and our community strong.

In 2025, the kindness and generosity of donors impacted the lives of thousands of people in our community by:

• Welcoming four incredible dogs to the HonorHealth program: JJ, Niko, Max and Dante. Two new hospitals (Four Peaks and Tempe) were able to receive K-9 teams because of the incredible generosity of some very special donors.
• Expanding and improving our training facility so it can be used year-round.
• Providing our handlers and service dogs with 160 days of well-deserved boarding and day spa services. This allows the dogs an opportunity to recharge, while offering their handlers a chance to take vacations without worrying about their partners’ care.
• Funding several emergency vet visits throughout the year, all resulting in positive outcomes thanks to our wonderful veterinary team.
• Investing in essential training aids that further enhance the capabilities of our K-9 units.
• Providing financial support for equipment, food, medical care and so much more!

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 Your philanthropy in action

A new hero joins the HonorHealth family

Founded in 2000 with just two dogs, HonorHealth’s K-9 Security Program has grown into a trusted team of 23 highly trained dogs and handlers, serving eight HonorHealth network hospitals. These remarkable K-9 partners provide more than safety. They bring comfort, calm, connection, and often a much-needed smile to patients, families and staff.

Recently, three HonorHealth Foundation Trustees toured our newest campuses. What they witnessed moved them deeply. Everywhere they turned, staff and clinicians expressed profound gratitude for the way HonorHealth lives its mission, vision and values.

Along with excitement about the future of patient care, there were also very real needs. Needs the Trustees felt called to meet. Trustee Louise Zirretta shared, “Rex Porter, Tracey Hemstreet and I wanted to do something to demonstrate that we heard, saw and felt the commitment to HonorHealth excellence. When we learned that Four Peaks needed an additional K-9 officer, we each enlisted the support and enthusiasm of our spouses, and the result is Max, our “K-Pooch,” an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois!”

Thanks to their visionary investment, Max has now joined his handler, Francisco, at HonorHealth Four Peaks Medical Center. Full of energy and heart, Max is already bringing comfort to patients, joy to staff and an added layer of security to the campus. His presence is a gift of both protection and compassion.

Tracey Hemstreet adds, “We are pleased to support HonorHealth’s K-9 Program. With psychosocial support and security being the program’s top principal purpose, Max will be able to carry out his role by providing emotional and physical comfort to patients, staff as well as others, while keeping them safe.

Handlers like Francisco, undergo extensive training to learn how to effectively communicate with and manage their K-9 partners. Their bond is crucial to the team’s success in the field. Francisco’s ongoing training and operational deployment training with Max will be an added asset to HonorHealth Four Peaks Medical Center now and into the future.”

Trustee Rex Porter sums up this generous donation best when he says, “My wife, Margie, and I couldn’t be more proud to support the HonorHealth K-9 program. When Tracey, Louise and I, as trustees, saw first-hand the needs of our HonorHealth Four Peaks Medical Center we knew we needed to act.

It has been so gratifying for all six of us, trustees and spouses, to participate in the process of K-9 donation, selection and training. Robin Teed is a fantastic program manager and Max is now in the field working at Four Peaks Hospital.

We’ve learned so much, including that a donation to HonorHealth Foundation doesn’t have to be huge to make a large and positive impact on the community!”

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Download the K-9 Security Program Impact Report (PDF format)