Who is Apache?
K9 Apache, a Belgian Malinois, served 8 years with the Indiana State Police as a patrol and narcotics detection K9. Apache worked beside his handler, Officer Walter Butt, diligently helping keep the communities in their district safe and clean. During this time of Apache’s life, he accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments. Here’s a peak at how effective he was:
Methamphetamine 302.99 lbs, Marijuana 587.33 lbs, Cocaine 5.56 lbs, Crack 0.10 lbs, Ecstasy 3.19 lbs, Heroin 3.58 lbs, other drugs 51.53 lbs. TOTAL OF 954.28 LBS OF ILLEGAL NARCOTICS AND DRUGS SEIZED.
Conducted 843 traffic stop vehicle sniffs with 561 associated arrests from the stops. Conducted 196 warrant services, 14 school searches, 44 tracks with 8 apprehensions, 42 building searches, 25 area searches, 51 article searches totaling over 1,640,441 USD currency seized. Recovered 167 guns, assisted 280 agencies, 84 total apprehensions with 77 civil and 7 bite.
Apache’s ‘Alive Day’
After reading stats like that is clear how effective Apache was at his job but, there’s a day that proves just how courageous he was while wearing his vest. That day is October 10th, 2017.
On this day, Apache and his handler were working an apprehension when the suspect tried to pull a gun on Officer Butt and fired a shot. That’s when Apache leapt into action and caught the bullet himself – in the neck! After the shot he took off into the woods nearby and wasn’t coming back. Worried about his whereabouts and his health, officers began searching for Apache in the area – at the same time the local gangs had put a hit out on him. So, through the night, for 12 hours, multiple agencies searched for him while the gangs did the same – it was a race for who could get to him first. Fortunately, on the morning of October 11th, Apache was reunited with his handler and was quickly taken to get medical attention. Apace survived his wounds, and healed up quickly – returning to work only three weeks after the incident.
Enjoying Retirement
After a career like that, it’s only fitting Apache gets to spend his golden years happy and healthy. In his retirement he’s taken to being a pet, and in typical pet fashion, he likes to sneak food whenever he can – including a pound of bacon off the counter. His handler has since received a new working dog, one who Apache likes to bully. When he isn’t busy being a big brother or stealing food, he likes laying in bed being as close to his handler as possible.
It’s K9’s like these that are why we at Paws of Honor do our best to make sure they get the care they deserve. After all that work, all that effort to protect our communities, their sacrifices, it’s important we step in and make sure they are getting the medical attention they need. Many working dogs in these jobs leave with cancer from the different chemicals they sniffed, or from physical harm from the bite work and other physically demanding aspects of the job. It’s only fair that after all that they do, we do something for them.
If you would like to support canines like K9 Apache, please consider donating to our mission! We cover veterinary expenses so the handlers of these four-legged heroes can focus on giving their beloved partners a long and healthy retirement, because that’s what they deserve! If you would like to learn more about the other courageous canines in our program, follow this link!