OUR MISSION
Paws 4 Blue K-9 is dedicated to supporting eligible active and retired police K9s in need across the United States.
Through the Buddy Foundation, we provide financial assistance to qualifying law enforcement K9 teams when funding is available.
Our mission is also to raise awareness of the important role police K9s play in law enforcement and the communities they serve.
OUR GOAL
WHY POLICE K9s NEED OUR SUPPORT
Police K9s perform demanding and highly specialized work alongside their handlers. They may assist with tracking missing or wanted persons, detecting narcotics, locating evidence, protecting their handlers and performing other critical law enforcement duties.
Some K9 programs rely heavily on donations, grants, fundraising and community support to help cover expenses.
Retired police K9s can also face significant needs after their years of service.
Paws 4 Blue K-9 was created to help make a difference for these deserving K9s.
WHO IS K-9 BUDDY
Honoring K9 Buddy – A Legacy of Service, Loyalty & Protection
K9 Buddy proudly served the Palmer Police Department in Massachusetts for six distinguished years alongside his handler, Officer Sean Ford. Throughout his career, Buddy worked tirelessly to protect his handler and help keep the Palmer community safe. He approached every shift with the same enthusiasm and determination as his very first day on duty.
Together, K9 Buddy and Officer Ford formed an exceptional Police K9 team built on trust, loyalty, and an unbreakable bond. Buddy was truly one of a kind, with a larger-than-life personality that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
K9 Buddy's Service to Palmer and Western Massachusetts
After joining the Palmer Police Department in 2014, K9 Buddy became an invaluable member of the department and served communities throughout Palmer and Western Massachusetts.
As a highly trained dual-purpose Police K9, Buddy was trained in patrol work and narcotics detection. His skills included handler protection, narcotics detection, evidence and article searches, tracking missing and wanted persons, and suspect apprehension. Throughout his career, Buddy assisted law enforcement with numerous motor vehicle searches, tracking deployments, searches for missing or wanted individuals, and evidence recovery.
Buddy brought extraordinary energy and dedication to his work. His many successful deployments resulted in notable accomplishments, and he received numerous certificates of commendation and letters of recognition for his service.
But Buddy was much more than an accomplished working Police K9. His unforgettable personality made him loved by his fellow officers, his community, and everyone who had the opportunity to meet him.
From Working Police K9 to Beloved Family Member
When K9 Buddy retired from police service, his focus shifted from protecting the community to enjoying life with his family. He loved everyone he met—especially anyone willing to meet him by the treat jar!
Buddy was an extraordinary Police K9, loyal partner, and beloved family dog. To those who knew and loved him, Buddy was never "just a dog." He was a partner, protector, family member, and friend.
Sadly, on April 1, 2022, K9 Buddy lost his courageous battle with cancer. His passing was deeply felt by his family, the Palmer Police Department, and the community of Palmer, Massachusetts.
K9 Buddy's Legacy Lives On
K9 Buddy made a profound and lasting impact on Paws 4 Blue K-9 founder Jan Garabedian. His service, loyalty, courage, and unforgettable personality became an inspiration for helping other Police K9 teams in need.
In Buddy's memory, The Buddy Foundation was created to help carry his legacy forward by supporting Police K9 teams that need financial assistance.
Today, Buddy's memory continues to make a difference. Through the mission of Paws 4 Blue K-9, his legacy helps provide support for active and retired Police K9s and the handlers who stand beside them.
K9 Buddy may no longer be with us, but his watch continues through every Police K9 team helped in his memory. His legacy of loyalty, service, and protection will never be forgotten.
Published: July 7, 2015
Palmer Police Patrolman Sean Ford and "Buddy."
(PALMER POLICE)
PALMER -- Palmer police credited their K-9 dog, Buddy, with helping to save the life of a suicidal male on the Fourth of July.
Police said that on July 4 at 7:43 p.m., they responded to the Bondsville section of Palmer for a report of a suicidal male who ran off into the woods near his home. Police were told the person had a knife and rope with him.
Patrolmen established a perimeter of the scene.
Patrolman Sean Ford deployed K-9 Buddy to track the individual. With Buddy's help, the person was located and transported to the hospital.
Police said the area is known as the Lily pond, and according to local legend, it is a bottomless pond.