The Pennsylvania SPCA is urgently looking for loving homes for 10 dogs who spent their lives in service to law enforcement and the military but now find themselves in need of a safe and caring place to retire.
These dogs, primarily German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, were discovered living in horrible conditions at K9 Hero Haven, a supposed rescue facility in Herndon, Northumberland County. The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) shared on Instagram that the dogs were found in “filth and neglect.”
The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which oversees kennel operations in Pennsylvania, had alerted PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team multiple times over concerns about the conditions at K9 Hero Haven.
Despite the nonprofit’s stated mission to “provide retired working dogs a home for retirement,” authorities found the facility to be far from a sanctuary.
“The dogs’ kennels were covered in feces and blood, and their water bowls were green from lack of cleaning,” the PSPCA reported. “Bodies that were once lean and exuded strength now withered away with untreated medical conditions.”
The 28 dogs housed at K9 Hero Haven had previously served in various capacities—some on the front lines in conflict zones, others patrolling public transportation centers, and many working closely with law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
The dogs ranged in age from 4 to 12 years old. Among them was one Labrador Retriever. Once rescued, the PSPCA brought them into their care and began working with medical and behavioral teams to help them recover.
Anne Gibbs, the operator of K9 Hero Haven, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges last year and lost her kennel license. However, she still owns up to 25 dogs legally, prompting PSPCA to file additional charges against her.
Many of the rescued dogs have already been placed in new homes or returned to their former handlers. Unfortunately, some of them passed away due to their poor condition. The PSPCA is now focused on finding homes for the remaining 10 dogs that are still in their Philadelphia shelter.
In recent days, the PSPCA has highlighted several of these dogs and their unique stories. Sosa, for example, served as an explosive detection dog, while Ceaser worked with a contracting agency for military or government roles.
Zombie, at 11 years old, spent years protecting public transportation hubs and now deserves a peaceful retirement. Axxel, a 12-year-old who is deaf and developing cataracts, still shows a strong desire to “work” and follows his handler’s cues.
The PSPCA is seeking families with experience in handling working dogs to provide these brave canines with the loving homes they deserve. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting one of these heroes, please email gkocher@pspca.org.
“Spread their stories to help them finally get the retirement they have been waiting for,” the PSPCA urged on Instagram. Let’s give these loyal dogs the peaceful and loving homes they’ve earned after years of dedicated service.
It’s so sad to hear about the conditions these dogs were living in. I hope they find loving homes soon.
I can’t believe they were neglected after all they’ve done. I hope they all find good families to take care of them.
This is heartbreaking. I hope the remaining dogs find homes where they can be loved and cared for.
I’m glad the PSPCA is working to find these dogs new homes. They deserve better than what they’ve been through.
I hope these dogs get the happy retirement they deserve after everything they’ve done for us.
It’s great that people are stepping up to help these dogs. I hope they all find loving families soon.
These dogs deserve a peaceful and loving retirement after their years of service. I hope they all find good homes soon.