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Murphy – After Abigail Harrington watched her brother, a retired U.S. Navy veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, struggle with day-to-day tasks – then noticed the change after he received a home protection K-9 – she knew she wanted to help not only her brother, but others as well.
At the end of 2019, Harrington formed a 501(c)3, and in March 2020 moved into her office. Then COVID hit, making the endeavor a difficult and slow process.
“Things are starting to pick up now,” said Harrington, founder/CEO of Project K9 Services in Brunswick, Ga.
Project K9 Services is a nonprofit agency that aims to assist retired veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders with K9 help and support.
In May 2022, retired U.S. Army veteran Lee Fischer of Murphy and his wife, Julie, were both in the hospital at the same time. Friends from church were assisting the couple with their three dogs at home.
However, they could not continue to help for the length of time the Fischers were hospitalized.
A nurse gave Julie a number for Harrington and Project K9 Services. Julie reached out for help, and the company took it from there.
They placed the three dogs at Kadillac Kennels until the Fischers could return home and care for the dogs on their own. Harrington also arranged to have their home cleaned for them.
In November, just several months later, the Fischers were in a serious vehicle accident on their way to Georgia for a doctor’s appointment. They had their three dogs with them.
Project K9 Services received a call from animal control regarding the dogs in the accident. The Fischers were hospitalized once again and Dutch, their beloved bully-mix and Lee’s service dog, had to be put down due to injuries.
Julie reached out to Harrington again because of her previous experience with their service. To ease the burden of care for the animals while the Fischers recovered, Project K9 Services began doing what the company was created to do – assist with K9 care and help ease the burden through the recovery process.
Harrington then reached out to Rick Farmer with Precious Memories Private Pet Cremations for Dutch. She also assisted in getting the remaining two dogs, Trooper and Tundra, back to their home in Murphy thanks to the help of Dave Worsham with Kadillac Kennels.
Tractor Supply in Murphy was generous in donating a big bag of dog food for the pets. Meanwhile, Denise Brooks-Polverino with Pet Mama in Murphy was instrumental in helping clean, care for and transport the dogs.
When Lee recently passed away, Harrington made arrangements with Little Brasstown Baptist Church pastor Aud Brown and his wife, Becky, to hold a memorial service and make sure Dutch’s ashes were at the service and by Lee’s side. She also contacted Commander Mitchell Shields from American Legion Post 96 so Lee would have an honor guard service.
“Without that kind of help, I would have been lost,” Julie said. “The heart they have is incredible.”
Harrington said her organization helps veterans, active military and law enforcement.
“They already have their K-9s, so if they’re struggling in anyway we come in and help facilitate. We make sure they don’t have to re-home their dog,” Harrington said, adding, “We work with different programs that are at no cost to the veterans. We want to eliminate any worry they may have about their dogs.”
Fischer is still recovering and experiences difficulties from time to time, but
she is grateful to Harrington and for the help from Project K9 Services.
For details, email team@projectk9services.com or call 800-264-2936.