The K9 HEROES Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2025 with one powerful idea: that a therapy dog can make a real difference in the emotional well-being and safety of students, staff, and the communities they serve. What began as a vision to support school resource officers (SROs) in Bonneville County has quickly grown into a community-backed mission of compassion, trust, and connection.

Our first hero, Strider, a standard Bernedoodle, was placed with Deputy Nathan Downey, the SRO at Thunder Ridge High School. With generous support from the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation and their $12,000 startup grant, Strider became the first of many future therapy dogs to join schools across our region.

Strider’s presence has already begun to spark conversation, connection, and healing. From greeting students in the morning to sitting with a child having a hard day, he’s helping to bridge gaps and bring a sense of calm to busy school environments.

The K9 HEROES Foundation exists to raise awareness of the benefits of therapy dogs in schools, support therapy dog placements in schools, and build a sustainable program that empowers deputies and helps kids feel safe and supported. What started with one dog and one school, aims to grow into a county-wide initiative to place crisis canines where they can best benefit the community—and eventually, a statewide network of comfort, care, and canine companionship.