Every year on March 13th, we celebrate National K-9 Veterans Day, a day to honor and recognize the service and sacrifices of America's military and working dogs. These courageous canines play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, and they deserve our deepest gratitude.
Thrive Pet Healthcare is proud of our hospitals that go above and beyond to provide exceptional care for working and retired K-9s. Today, we spotlight two such hospitals: Saint Francis Veterinary Center of South Jersey and Stonyridge Veterinary Service in Troy, Ohio.
K-9 Hansel, a 7-year-old pitbull who is the first pitbull in the country to be certified in ignitable liquid detection. K-9 Hansel and his partner, Fire Marshal Tyler Van Leer work for the City of Millville Fire Department (pictured below).
Saint Francis Veterinary Center has taken very good care of Hansel. Every time I walk in with him, he is immediately met with love & affection. If I ever have a question or concern, they do their absolute best to help or find answers. I consider the staff at Saint Francis family and forever friends.
-- Fire Marshal Tyler Van Leer, City of Millville Fire Department
K-9 Mai, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois who works alongside Officer Anthony Amato in patrol and narcotics with the Cherry Hill Police Department's K-9 Unit (pictured below).
K-9 Mai and I are so thankful for the care we receive from Saint Francis. The K-9 Heroes Total Health program is a wonderful service St. Francis provides to our partners. Thank you to all veterans for their service and a special thank you on National K-9 Veteran’s Day to every working dog as they provide an amazing service to their communities.
-- Officer Anthony Amato, Cherry Hill Police Department
K-9 Rocky, a retired bomb detection K-9 who served with Marine veteran Anthony D'Amico in the Monroe Township Police Department (pictured below). Even in his golden years, Rocky receives excellent care from the team at Saint Francis, allowing him to "thrive" in his retirement.
Stonyridge Veterinary Service in Troy, Ohio, is another Thrive partner dedicated to caring for K9 heroes. They provide exceptional care to K-9s like:
K-9 Vello, a 6-year-old German Shepherd who works with Deputy Ryan Thobe of the Miami County Sheriff's Office (pictured above with Stonyridge team members). Vello is a dual-purpose K9 trained in obedience, narcotics detection, tracking and more.
Stonyridge Vet is such an amazing place. They treat Vello with as much love and care as they do their own pets. They understand him, not only as a pet, but as a working dog and they always treat us like family. The knowledge and care they provide is always top notch.
-- Deputy Ryan Thobe, Miami County Sheriff's Office
On this National K-9 Veterans Day, we honor the service of all K-9s, both active duty and retired, and the vital role they play or have played in our communities.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to the veterinary teams at Saint Francis Veterinary Center and Stonyridge Veterinary Service, and to our team members across the country who dedicate themselves to the health and well-being of these furry heroes.
To learn what it's like to be a part of the Thrive community of hospitals, visit our
Careers site.
