News - Media - Events
For video slideshows of some of our completed portraits click here
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Sgt. Reckless prints made it to the National Museum of the Marine Corps
On March, 9th, 2019, our artist Loreen and her digital artist daughter Anais attended the "Sgt. Reckless Day" event at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. Robin Hutton, author of "Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse" was on site giving lectures and signing her books. Loreen was finally able to get photos of her print of the painting of Sgt. Reckless she completed in 2014 along with the Sgt. Reckless monument AND two members of the USMC who served alongside Reckless!
Sgt. Reckless' print is now part of the National Museum of the Marine Corps display on Sgt. Reckless including the travelling exhibit!
Sgt. Reckless' print is now part of the National Museum of the Marine Corps display on Sgt. Reckless including the travelling exhibit!
K9 Maggie takes the Floor at The House of Representatives for K9 Veteran's Day.
On March, 13, 2018, Congressman Tom Garrett had the floor at The House of Representatives and asked that the House recognize K9 Veteran's Day for the service and sacrifice of K9 Heroes. To represent K9 Heroes...Congressman Garrett presented the painting image of K9 Maggie of Louisa County Sheriff's Office.
K9 Krijger of Norfolk Police Department.
On January 11th, 2016, K9 Krijger of Norfolk Police Department paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his fellow Norfolk officers. On December 6th, 2017, Krijger's portrait was presented during a private ceremony with members of S.W.A.T. and Norfolk PD and Krijger's family.
In March of 2018, we released the K9 Krijger challenge coin with a portion of proceeds going to the K9 Krijger Ballistic Vest Fund at Spike's K9 Fund.
In March of 2018, we released the K9 Krijger challenge coin with a portion of proceeds going to the K9 Krijger Ballistic Vest Fund at Spike's K9 Fund.
The K9 Hero Portrait Project in Denmark
On March 18th, 2017, Loreen flew to Houston, Texas to present a portrait of a fallen military working dog of the Royal Danish Air Force. After the presentation, Loreen was invited to present in the RDAF's home county, Denmark! Just a few months later, Loreen and Anais, the K9HPP's art coordinator, flew to Denmark to meet with other members of the RDAF as well as some of their Special Forces. Loreen was presented with a special plaque recognizing her dedication t K9 Handlers.
K9 Thor of Salem Police Department
When one of their own suddenly passed, it took mere hours for Salem Police Department to come together and sponsor a painting of their fallen brother - K9 Thor. On August 21, 2017, Loreen presented Thor's painting to Officer John Bedard, Thor's partner, in front of members of Salem PD and the community.
Three Hero Presentations, One big surprise
On March 2, 2017, three K9 hero presentations took place, a first for the project. K9 Ty of California City Police Department was lost just a few months prior, and K9 Tanja, partnered with Dep. Donnie Brown, were both "scheduled" on the agenda at the We Ride To Provide K9 Memorial Event in Covington, GA. But we had one more surprise for the founders of WRTP who is also the Chief of Police for Porterdale - we brough home K9 Beau to them who was lost in December. Volunteers at WRTP secretly fund raised and were kept apprised of all the work in progress for Beau's painting, and just as Holly Cripps, wife to Chief Jason Cripps, was about to move on in the agenda, we had to halt her for one more minute and let them know what was done for them. Needless to say, not a dry eye in the house.
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"A Gift for France"
On May 11th, 2016, Loreen was contacted by Pierre Edouard Colliex, the then Police Attache' to France. He wanted to find out of Loreen would "Paint a gift for France", of their first fallen Police/dual purpose K9, "Chien Diesel". Someone had seen K9 Jethro's painting at the Canton Museum of Art as well as several K9 prints of military dogs Loreen had painted and contacted the embassy telling them "No one else will be able to pay tribute like her".
On December 12th, 2016, Diesel's painting was presented during a Gifting Ceremony at the Embassy of France in Washington D.C. among dignitaries and officials of France and the RAID/GIGN teams.
On December 12th, 2016, Diesel's painting was presented during a Gifting Ceremony at the Embassy of France in Washington D.C. among dignitaries and officials of France and the RAID/GIGN teams.
Houston PD Charlotte Presentation and Tribute
On Wednesday, May 18th, 2016, the Houston Police Department paid tribute to their fallen mounted patrol officer, Charlotte during Police Week. Charlotte's portrait will be displayed in the Houston PD museum for a short time and then will be permanently displayed at the Houston Police Officers' Union building for "every officer from this point forward to see her as they come in."
ABC 13 covered the event and a news piece can be seen at the below link.
ABC 13 covered the event and a news piece can be seen at the below link.
Officer Damien Herrejon, Lt. Randall Wallace and Sgt. Leslie Wills unveiling Charlotte's portrait.
Below, Loreen with the completed painting of Charlotte.
L-R Cris Van Horn, Charlotte's donor, Loreen and Officer DamienHerrejon.
Loreen standing with members of the Houston Police Department and Police Officers Union.
Lt. Randall Wallace speaking about Charlotte's life, career and what this painting will mean to their department and community.
Officer Damien Herrejon hugging and thanking Loreen.
Canton Museum K9 Jethro presentation and opening of the K9 Heroes exhibit.
On Saturday, April 9th, 2016 at 10 AM sharp, the K9 Jethro reveal event took place. Max Barton, Executive Director of the Canton Museum and Lynnda Arrasmith, curator, helped us present fallen K9 Officer Jethro's portrait to Officer Ryan Davis, his family and his K9 team mates. The event was held in the Wilkof Courtyard and refreshments were sponsored by Fishers Foods.
The "K9 Heroes" exhibit featuring six images of heroes painted in our program were on display in the museum's lobby along with the excellent work of wood carving artist James Mellick. The bios of each hero are on display so the public can learn more about some of the K9's who have protected our country. The K9 Heroes exhibit is on display at The Canton Museum of Art until July 17th. K9 Jethro's portrait is on display with #7 Wounded Warrior (box) by artist James Mellick until April 28th in a very special viewing area.
The "K9 Heroes" exhibit featuring six images of heroes painted in our program were on display in the museum's lobby along with the excellent work of wood carving artist James Mellick. The bios of each hero are on display so the public can learn more about some of the K9's who have protected our country. The K9 Heroes exhibit is on display at The Canton Museum of Art until July 17th. K9 Jethro's portrait is on display with #7 Wounded Warrior (box) by artist James Mellick until April 28th in a very special viewing area.
2016 Police K9 Magazine Conference & Vendor Show - HUGE SUCCESS!
On March 8th through 10th, The K9 Hero Portrait Project was proud to be a part of the Police K9 Magazine Conference & Vendor show. While all other vendors were tactical in nature to help law enforcement and contract handlers do their jobs and protect their K9 partners, our booth stood out! From the moment the conference started until the last few minutes, we were constantly busy, sharing the stories of the heroes and our work and even help trainers learn about some of their favorite dogs that they never knew what happened to. We even had a few surprises with many fans of The K9 Hero Portrait Project Facebook page showing up, and a truly wonderful surprise - One of the "Original Five" recipients in our program came out to see us - US Army Ricky Caravona who handled MWD Niko N352. If handlers didn't know about us before, they know about us now! You couldn't miss our booth and many left with tears in their eyes.
December 15, 2015 Newsletter article on the K9 Kye presentation with the NLECAA
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Surprise K9 LEO Portrait Presentation!
K9 Kye of the Oklahoma City Police Department
Earlier this year, we were notified about a special K9 law enforcement who was killed in the line of duty. As many of you know, this is not an unusual downside to the K9 LEO - this happens more frequently than people realize.
The nomination was a special exception and K9 Kye and SSgt. Ryan Stark were a great team. So what better way to surprise an epic handler than with an epic presentation?
Our artist Loreen Pantaleone began planning this presentation and portrait creation long in advance with the help of prior recipient, Corporal Warren Cavanagh. She also requested the help of her favorite composer, Jo Blankenburg, who has created film trailer music for some of the top movies in the last decade. After Jo saw some of Loreen's work, he quickly agreed to participate with helping collaborate and select music to go along with the video that Loreen would create showing the portrait conception and creation.
After hours of video footage and over 400,000 time-lapse photos, the portrait was complete and ready to be compiled in to an epic video. After the rough draft was sent to Jo Blankenburg with ideas on opening scenes, the creation of the portrait and the epic ending, it was decided that the piece "Empyrea", from Jo's Elysium album would be the best choice. Besides, Empyrea has the meaning of "heavenly, celesital, ethereal and "pyr" meaning "of fire". Simply perfect for K9 Kye. After more editing to get the correct impact to go with the music, the video is complete and Loreen was counting down the days to the presentation.
On November 18th, 2015, only made possible by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SCLEAP), Loreen, Corporal Warren Cavanagh and Lieutenant Anna Cavanagh flew to Oklahoma City without SSgt. Stark knowing. We had asked that the video be shown without introduction, but that somehow they would need to get SSgt. Stark, his wife Carrie and some of OKCPD's finest in to the conference room. The K9HPP team hid in an adjoining room and once they heard the video started, they snuck in the back of the room and waited for the credits to end before revealing they were there. Not a dry eye in the house and a wonderful reception.
Thank you Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and the entire Richland County Sheriffs Department for sparing two of their finest officers to accompany me during this portrait presentation. Without Corporal Warren Cavanagh and Lieutenant Anna Cavanagh, I would have never have been able to make this trip.
Special thanks to Jo Blankenburg for generously collaborating with Loreen on this event. Below are a few films Jo has worked on so you can see the impact his music has in the film industry.
We are now supported by the NSA, DOJ and IACP! September 3rd, 2015
On September 3rd, 2015, Loreen visited Washington D.C. to meet with directors and chairs of the National Sheriff's Association (NSA), Dept of Justice COPS division, and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
After presenting some of the finished portrait images and explaining the mission of The K9 Hero Portrait Project, we are proud to announce that the NSA, IACP and DOJ COPS organizations fully support our program and will be helping us get the much needed exposure this project needs to continue.
With e-newsletter releases, in-print media and possibly the opportunity to speak in front of over 200,000 officers and chiefs of police in October, this new support is exactly what the project needed to show what we do for the men and women in law enforcement and the military.
After presenting some of the finished portrait images and explaining the mission of The K9 Hero Portrait Project, we are proud to announce that the NSA, IACP and DOJ COPS organizations fully support our program and will be helping us get the much needed exposure this project needs to continue.
With e-newsletter releases, in-print media and possibly the opportunity to speak in front of over 200,000 officers and chiefs of police in October, this new support is exactly what the project needed to show what we do for the men and women in law enforcement and the military.
Two Portrait Presentations at Once! August 8th, 2015
On August 8th, 2015, Loreen drove to New Jersey to do a never-before double header portrait presentation. One was to Sgt. James Harrington and his Bronze Star awarded military working dog Ryky, and the other was a complete surprise to the "Dogfather" of military working dogs, Ron Aiello, founder of the US War Dogs Association. Ron was aware that we were presenting James' portrait to him, but little did he know that only a few moments later, we would be presenting to him a portrait of his Scout Dog "Stormy" whom he left behind in Vietnam. Stormy's portrait was the first ever K9 done from black and white photos acquired from the Dept of Defense's archives. Looks like artist Loreen Pantaleone did it again and made two more human heroes happy.
Presentation of MWD Grief to USMC Sgt. Alfred Brenner at the Troopers Assisting Troops K9's for Warriors fundraiser.
On May 9th, Loreen drove to her hometown of Jackson New Jersey to present the portrait of MWD Grief to his handler, USMC Sgt. Alfred Brenner. On October 24th, 2010, Brenner and Grief, a two year old German Shepherd trained in specialized bomb detection, were hit by a remotely detonated IED while clearing a building in Afghanistan during one of their patrols. Brenner was severely injured, but Grief was instantly killed. Another Marine close to Brenner had his portrait completed in our program, Brian Riddle with SSD Jony, and Brian wanted Alfred to have a portrait like Jony's to help close that last wound of losing Grief.
During an incredible fundraising event sponsored by Troopers Assisting Troops to benefit K9's for Warriors, Brenner was asked to be the key speaker regarding the benefits of service dogs for Veterans. After Brenner's speech, Loreen was asked to join him on the stage, where Loreen asked Brenner's father to also join and help in presenting the portrait. Earlier that evening, Loreen had the honor of having dinner with Alfred's family which included his lovely wife Megan, his mother and father, his youngest brother, sister and her boyfriend, and his amazing Grandmother. While observing the dinner conversation and how Alfred's father looked at him during the talk about his "Alive Day", Loreen could see the pride his father had in Alfred. So Loreen asked Alfred's father to hold the portrait on stage and do the final "reveal". It's a moment Loreen will never forget.
During an incredible fundraising event sponsored by Troopers Assisting Troops to benefit K9's for Warriors, Brenner was asked to be the key speaker regarding the benefits of service dogs for Veterans. After Brenner's speech, Loreen was asked to join him on the stage, where Loreen asked Brenner's father to also join and help in presenting the portrait. Earlier that evening, Loreen had the honor of having dinner with Alfred's family which included his lovely wife Megan, his mother and father, his youngest brother, sister and her boyfriend, and his amazing Grandmother. While observing the dinner conversation and how Alfred's father looked at him during the talk about his "Alive Day", Loreen could see the pride his father had in Alfred. So Loreen asked Alfred's father to hold the portrait on stage and do the final "reveal". It's a moment Loreen will never forget.
March 7th - Wounded Wear Toast to the Heroes V Gala.
On March 7th, 2015, founder Loreen Pantaleone was honored to attend the Wounded Wear Toast to the Heroes V event in Portsmouth, VA and be among hundreds of our country's best military personnel, Gold Star Families and of course, Navy Seal and author Jason Redman. The evening was filled with some of the most inspirational speeches from wounded Veterans and spokespeople such as Jean Paul DeJoria and some time to have photographs with The Battle Buddy Foundations founder, Kenny Bass and Atlast the Wonderdog. The evening had it's final incredible moment when Jason Redman joined Loreen in surprising one of Virginia's most dedicated Search and Rescue volunteers, Blackburn Booth, with an Acceptance Letter for K9 Roxy in to The K9 Hero Portrait Project program.
July 23rd, 2014 - Military Dogs Take the Hill
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On Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014, the K9 Hero Portrait Project was invited to be present during a congressional meeting regarding bringing home the military and contractor working dogs that serve our military. We feel honored that we were asked to witness this historic event. Several articles on the web regarding the day. Arrows are pointing to the artist of K9HPP and to Congressman Gus Bilirakis who was presenting the bill to Congress on behalf of The American Humane Association and Mission K9 Rescue. A link to NPR (National Public Radio) newscast
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June 29th, 2014 - Newspaper article regarding presentation of USFS K9 Maros to the family of Officer Jason Crisp, McDowell County News
See the article here at McDowellNews.com
The family of fallen U.S. Forest Service officer Jason Crisp received a heartwarming surprise in June from a woman many states away.
On June 29, artist Loreen Pantaleone, founder of the K9 Hero Portrait Project, drove from northern Pennsylvania to present a hand-painted, 2-by-2-foot portrait of USFS K9 Maros, who was tragically killed along side Crisp back in March during a manhunt in Burke County.
“I worked with U.S. Forest Service Officer Kim Kipp who nominated K9 Maros for a portrait through the program shortly after Crisp’s and Maros’ memorial,” Pantaleone said, “The family was unaware of the portrait and we were able to successfully surprise the Crisp family during morning services at the West Court Street Baptist Church in Marion. It was a beautiful presentation and the church did a phenomenal job for recognizing all the service men and women.”
Members from the Marion Police Department, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Forest Service, other local law enforcement, family and friends were present during the portrait revealing to support Crisp’s wife, Amanda and her two sons.
“Amanda loved it and hugged me several times and said it was absolutely beautiful and thanked me,” told Pantaleone, “I wanted them to feel like Maros is looking over them.”
Pantaleone said the portrait took her about 128 hours to complete over the course of several weeks. She says she tries to get very involved in her portraits to make sure she captures the bond between the families and the K9s.
“The support says so much to me about who he was and how much the community appreciated him and loved him,” she said, “When you see the response from the family to the dogs and in this case with Maros, I just know I’m doing the right thing, and it’s an incredible feeling knowing that you’ve helped a little bit.”
The K9 Hero Portrait Project paints and donates portraits of K9 heroes for soldiers, handlers and law enforcement families. Along with portraits and prints, Maros’ image from the painting will be minted on a collectible coin with 50-percent of the proceeds going to the Crisp family.
“Not only will they be helping the Crisp family, but any future law enforcement officers or military,” she said.
To order prints or coins of USFS K9 Maros, contact Pantaleone by email at [email protected]. She also said the coins will be available for purchase on Etsy when they are minted. For more information on the project, folks can visit the website at k9heroprotraits.weebly.com.
The family of fallen U.S. Forest Service officer Jason Crisp received a heartwarming surprise in June from a woman many states away.
On June 29, artist Loreen Pantaleone, founder of the K9 Hero Portrait Project, drove from northern Pennsylvania to present a hand-painted, 2-by-2-foot portrait of USFS K9 Maros, who was tragically killed along side Crisp back in March during a manhunt in Burke County.
“I worked with U.S. Forest Service Officer Kim Kipp who nominated K9 Maros for a portrait through the program shortly after Crisp’s and Maros’ memorial,” Pantaleone said, “The family was unaware of the portrait and we were able to successfully surprise the Crisp family during morning services at the West Court Street Baptist Church in Marion. It was a beautiful presentation and the church did a phenomenal job for recognizing all the service men and women.”
Members from the Marion Police Department, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Forest Service, other local law enforcement, family and friends were present during the portrait revealing to support Crisp’s wife, Amanda and her two sons.
“Amanda loved it and hugged me several times and said it was absolutely beautiful and thanked me,” told Pantaleone, “I wanted them to feel like Maros is looking over them.”
Pantaleone said the portrait took her about 128 hours to complete over the course of several weeks. She says she tries to get very involved in her portraits to make sure she captures the bond between the families and the K9s.
“The support says so much to me about who he was and how much the community appreciated him and loved him,” she said, “When you see the response from the family to the dogs and in this case with Maros, I just know I’m doing the right thing, and it’s an incredible feeling knowing that you’ve helped a little bit.”
The K9 Hero Portrait Project paints and donates portraits of K9 heroes for soldiers, handlers and law enforcement families. Along with portraits and prints, Maros’ image from the painting will be minted on a collectible coin with 50-percent of the proceeds going to the Crisp family.
“Not only will they be helping the Crisp family, but any future law enforcement officers or military,” she said.
To order prints or coins of USFS K9 Maros, contact Pantaleone by email at [email protected]. She also said the coins will be available for purchase on Etsy when they are minted. For more information on the project, folks can visit the website at k9heroprotraits.weebly.com.
April 15, 2014 - K9 Radio - All Things Working Dog Related Radio Broadcast with The K9 Hero Portrait Project
April 15th, 2014 at 7pm ET, The K9 Hero Portrait Project's Loreen Pantaleone was a guest on K9 Radio - All Things Working Dog Related. Additional surprise guests were Deputy Warren Cavanaugh, the most recent recipient of a portrait from the K9HPP, Lt. Kevin Hoover, the man behind devising the surprise presentation to Cavanaugh, and Loreen's very own mother who decided to surprise everyone and call in. So much was covered during the broadcast relating to and including how the project was formed, why, and the most recent presentation event of K-9 Fargo, Deputy Cavanaugh's partner who was KIA in December 2011. So much more needed to be covered that K9 Radio has asked Loreen to return soon to go over many of the high-profile and just as important low profile K9's that are or have been already painted. Listen in to the one hour+ segment with Loreen and her guests: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/k9radio/2014/04/15/loreen-pantaleone-of-the-k9-hero-portrait-project
Columbia, SC - RCSD K-9 Fargo Presentation - 4/7/14
On December 16, 2011, Richland County Sheriff's Department K-9 Fargo was shot several times and killed by a criminal suspect. In January of 2014, the man who killed Fargo was being sentenced for his criminal activity, but after testimony from several of the RCSD deputies and RCSD Sheriff Leon Lott himself, the judge handed down a sentence to the killer that INCLUDED time for killing Fargo. This is a first for K-9 Law Enforcement - to have a sentence imposed for the death of a
K-9 Officer. Thank you to the RCSD team, Carmen Hudson and Lt. Kevin Hoover who made this surprise presentation to Deputy Warren Cavanaugh possible. Here are a few photos of the presentation.
K-9 Officer. Thank you to the RCSD team, Carmen Hudson and Lt. Kevin Hoover who made this surprise presentation to Deputy Warren Cavanaugh possible. Here are a few photos of the presentation.
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2014 Hanover, VA K9 Heroes Day Presentation - 3/22/14
On March 22nd, 2014, I was in Hanover, VA presenting a portrait of K-9 Maggie, a Search & Rescue Bloodhound who died due to her injuries received while on duty pursuing a suicidal person. In the middle of the night, in the pitch black, a dog attacked Maggie and her handler, Lt. Patrick Sheridan. Maggie succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
This was a surprise portrait presentation arranged by Chief Ed Martin of The Hanover Hounds Search and Rescue team.
This was a surprise portrait presentation arranged by Chief Ed Martin of The Hanover Hounds Search and Rescue team.
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Better image of the mash-up from the Press Enterprise article written about the project:
Coin World Magazine December 30th, 2013 - The K9 Hero Portrait Project was featured in the 12/30/13 Coin World Weekly Magazine edition! Thanks to Paul Gilkes, the Senior Staff Editor at Coin World who spent time learning about the project and producing a one and a half page article about the K9HPP challenge coins and how they take care of the costs of the portraits donated to soldiers, handlers, and adoptive families of these K9 Heroes. Due to copyright laws, I cannot post the actual article, but the edition is on sale at all large bookstores and magazine outlets. This past month has been a flurry of media coverage of the K9HPP and the challenge coins, so hopefully the New Year will bring some big news on making sure this project stays alive~ Happy Holidays everyone!
December 5th, 2013 - Eyewitness News Broadcast on The K9 Hero Portrait Project. Short but sweet!
November 13th, 2013
It's been one month since the new challenge coins were introduced in to the project and so far, due to the popularity of MWD Gabe, they have been a success! MWD Gabe's coin has gone to mint twice, first for a batch of 200 coins, and a second batch of 100 coins was submitted for mint about a week ago! Expectations have been exceeded in the start up of this part of the project and I'm happy to say that this is only the beginning. On the urging of one of the K9HPP Facebook fans, I contacted two of the top coin magazine publishers. The largest and most influential was Coin World. I submitted a summarized version of the K9HPP and our plans to create challenge coins out of the completed portrait images, and received an email response back within minutes. The senior staff editor at Coin World called me later that day to have more questions answered and his excitement about these coins has implemented a new energy in to the K9HPP! When I explained that we are limiting the editions to 500 coins per K9 image, he exclaimed that we will absolutely want to issue the same K9 in other metal colors as 500 coins is not going to meet demand! Coin World's excitement about the project itself and how the challenge coins will be funding picked their interest and they have decided to do an extensive story about the K9HPP in an upcoming December issue! This was only two days after the decision to have challenge coins produced and we didn't yet have actual coin photos for the article. Gray Water Ops, LLC, the company manufacturing the coins for the K9HPP graciously fronted the die cost for each coin so that we could have samples minted to get the high definition photos needed for a magazine publication! Samples were shipped this week and the photos and samples have been sent to Coin World. Once they received the samples, they requested a photo of myself with a portrait to show "the artist" behind the project. MWD Rocky was finishing curing and was ready for duty once again. Thank you Shannon for giving me the opportunity to paint this K9 Hero for you!
If that wasn't enough excitement, this past weekend our tri-county newspaper contacted me about possibly doing a story. On Veterans day, I received the follow up call from the reporter who wanted to come out that evening to do an interview. The photographer was scheduled to come later in the week, so I of course, was not "prepared" for a photo shoot. Guess who showed up minutes after the reporter? The photographer. He didn't want to wait until later in the week to do the shoot, he wanted to see this project asap. After two hours, the interview was over, the reporter's notebook was full, and I showed him each K9 past and present in the queue and gave him a little biography on each. The same feeling I had when I started this program was reading the information that you all have been sending in with your nominations, was compounded all in one shot with this poor guy! It blows people away when you talk about one, but when I moved along my wall of works in progress and completed heroes, he couldn't believe that I remembered the details of each one. Of course I would! :)
So, within the next couple of weeks, it looks like two major articles and photo spreads will be getting released regarding the K9HPP itself as well as the coins that will be doing the funding for all current and future K9 Heroes. A very exciting time for us and I'm so honored to be able to share this with each of you. Thank you for allowing me to paint your K9 partners for you!
It's been one month since the new challenge coins were introduced in to the project and so far, due to the popularity of MWD Gabe, they have been a success! MWD Gabe's coin has gone to mint twice, first for a batch of 200 coins, and a second batch of 100 coins was submitted for mint about a week ago! Expectations have been exceeded in the start up of this part of the project and I'm happy to say that this is only the beginning. On the urging of one of the K9HPP Facebook fans, I contacted two of the top coin magazine publishers. The largest and most influential was Coin World. I submitted a summarized version of the K9HPP and our plans to create challenge coins out of the completed portrait images, and received an email response back within minutes. The senior staff editor at Coin World called me later that day to have more questions answered and his excitement about these coins has implemented a new energy in to the K9HPP! When I explained that we are limiting the editions to 500 coins per K9 image, he exclaimed that we will absolutely want to issue the same K9 in other metal colors as 500 coins is not going to meet demand! Coin World's excitement about the project itself and how the challenge coins will be funding picked their interest and they have decided to do an extensive story about the K9HPP in an upcoming December issue! This was only two days after the decision to have challenge coins produced and we didn't yet have actual coin photos for the article. Gray Water Ops, LLC, the company manufacturing the coins for the K9HPP graciously fronted the die cost for each coin so that we could have samples minted to get the high definition photos needed for a magazine publication! Samples were shipped this week and the photos and samples have been sent to Coin World. Once they received the samples, they requested a photo of myself with a portrait to show "the artist" behind the project. MWD Rocky was finishing curing and was ready for duty once again. Thank you Shannon for giving me the opportunity to paint this K9 Hero for you!
If that wasn't enough excitement, this past weekend our tri-county newspaper contacted me about possibly doing a story. On Veterans day, I received the follow up call from the reporter who wanted to come out that evening to do an interview. The photographer was scheduled to come later in the week, so I of course, was not "prepared" for a photo shoot. Guess who showed up minutes after the reporter? The photographer. He didn't want to wait until later in the week to do the shoot, he wanted to see this project asap. After two hours, the interview was over, the reporter's notebook was full, and I showed him each K9 past and present in the queue and gave him a little biography on each. The same feeling I had when I started this program was reading the information that you all have been sending in with your nominations, was compounded all in one shot with this poor guy! It blows people away when you talk about one, but when I moved along my wall of works in progress and completed heroes, he couldn't believe that I remembered the details of each one. Of course I would! :)
So, within the next couple of weeks, it looks like two major articles and photo spreads will be getting released regarding the K9HPP itself as well as the coins that will be doing the funding for all current and future K9 Heroes. A very exciting time for us and I'm so honored to be able to share this with each of you. Thank you for allowing me to paint your K9 partners for you!
October 15th, 2013 - NEW K9 HERO PORTRAIT PROJECT CHALLENGE COINS!
I'm super excited to share that we were contacted by a veteran owned company, Gray Water Ops and they are helping TK9HPP get their very own Challenge Coins minted! Within hours, ideas were flying, wheels were turning and many people showed interest in owning a TK9HPP Challenge Coin and asked if we would be doing a collectible "series". Well, that's going to be the plan! This is super brand new and minting can't begin until prepaid orders of the first group are made. After the first series sells out, a new completed K9 Hero portrait will be featured on the back of the Challenge Coin. If sales are good, we can continuously have new completed portraits featured and even sell them as a "set". ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE CHALLENGE COINS GO DIRECTLY TOWARDS THE PORTRAIT BALANCES OF K9 HEROES IN THE QUEUE! This will mean that NO SOLDIER, HANDLER, OWNER or WARRIOR will EVER have to worry about networking to have their K9 partner's portrait completed. This could be the turning point for TK9HPP and I am so excited that this is available to us. A HUGE THANK YOU to Gray Water OPS for assisting with this endeavor. Stay tuned as photos of the actual minted Challenge Coin is added to the website and hopefully many more. The image to the left is the depiction map of how the Challenge Coin will look with MWD Gabe (Our first in the series) will be 3D and in Bronze (not black and white). For ordering information, please go to the Challenge Coin Fundraiser tab above and start collecting your K9HPP Challenge Coins today! :)
The 33.34% Reason why The K9 Hero Portrait Project was created!
Back in March of this year, The K9 Hero Portrait Project was created after a week-long series of tragedies involving working dogs. On Monday, March 11th, 2013, MWD Bak was KIA in Afghanistan. On Thursday, March 14th, FBI K-9 Ape was KIA. Then on Friday, March 15th, K-9 Zeke had been shot while apprehending a suspect.
Just prior to this horrific week, I was working on the portrait of MWD Gabe, the AHA 2012 Hero Dog of the Year. Due to the many connections the FB network has opened up, I was made aware of each of the three working dogs fates. After MWD Bak had been killed, I was quite upset and saddened for his family, but glad that his handler did survive. When K-9 Ape was killed, I began to realize that there are more fatalities with working dogs than what the public is really aware of. Then K-9 Zeke was wounded on that Friday. At the time, I did not know Zeke's fate, but what struck me about each of the handlers of these K9 Heroes, was that they were visibly distraught and upset. None of these handlers looked at their dog partners as "equipment". They looked at them as family members, fellow soldiers and officers/agents. This is when I made the decision to try and help re-connect handlers with their K-9 partners/sons/brothers with my artwork. So technically, K-9 Zeke was the final driving force to help me make the decision to publicly share my art with these handlers. This makes K-9 Zeke the 33.34% (1/100th additional percentile) reason why The K9 Hero Portrait Project was started.
Recently, I left a quick post on K-9 Zeke's Facebook networking page a few weeks ago, just to let the page know that Zeke was a driving force for creating these portraits. Within hours, I was contacted by the owner of the Rossmoyne Animal Emergency & Trauma Center where Zeke was flown by Life Lion helicopter and was saved. Sabrena Meyerhoff said she saw my post on K-9 Zeke's page and wanted to know if it were at all possible to have a portrait done of Zeke to present to Cpl. Ty Meik at an awards ceremony slated for Friday, August 16th for the PVMA in Hershey, PA. Not wanting to lose the opportunity to paint the majority reason, (remember, 33.34%), but also concerned about timeline, I said YES! So for the past several weeks I had focused my painting efforts on K-9 Zeke's portrait.
The awards ceremony included an award for 2013 Veterinarian of the Year that was presented to Mark D. Meyerhoff, DVM for his dedication including the saving of K-9 Zeke. The Meyerhoff family invited me to present the portrait to Cpl. Miek in person and to the awards dinner. They also gave me wonderful accommodations so that I didn't have to stay at a hotel. So last night, I had the honor of presenting Cpl. Ty Miek with his portrait of K-9 Zeke, his name plate inscription, and his K9 Hero Plaque. Here is a picture taken of Cpl. Miek, K-9 Zeke and their portrait. A large photo of the portrait and plaque can be found on the Completed K-9 Heroes page.
It was a great honor to do this piece and I want to thank all of my current projects for being so patient while this was happening since no one was publicly aware that I was doing this particular portrait since it was to be a surprise. The PVMA, (PA Veterinary Medical Association), the Meyerhoff family, and even Cpl. Miek's wife, Ericka was in on it.
Just prior to this horrific week, I was working on the portrait of MWD Gabe, the AHA 2012 Hero Dog of the Year. Due to the many connections the FB network has opened up, I was made aware of each of the three working dogs fates. After MWD Bak had been killed, I was quite upset and saddened for his family, but glad that his handler did survive. When K-9 Ape was killed, I began to realize that there are more fatalities with working dogs than what the public is really aware of. Then K-9 Zeke was wounded on that Friday. At the time, I did not know Zeke's fate, but what struck me about each of the handlers of these K9 Heroes, was that they were visibly distraught and upset. None of these handlers looked at their dog partners as "equipment". They looked at them as family members, fellow soldiers and officers/agents. This is when I made the decision to try and help re-connect handlers with their K-9 partners/sons/brothers with my artwork. So technically, K-9 Zeke was the final driving force to help me make the decision to publicly share my art with these handlers. This makes K-9 Zeke the 33.34% (1/100th additional percentile) reason why The K9 Hero Portrait Project was started.
Recently, I left a quick post on K-9 Zeke's Facebook networking page a few weeks ago, just to let the page know that Zeke was a driving force for creating these portraits. Within hours, I was contacted by the owner of the Rossmoyne Animal Emergency & Trauma Center where Zeke was flown by Life Lion helicopter and was saved. Sabrena Meyerhoff said she saw my post on K-9 Zeke's page and wanted to know if it were at all possible to have a portrait done of Zeke to present to Cpl. Ty Meik at an awards ceremony slated for Friday, August 16th for the PVMA in Hershey, PA. Not wanting to lose the opportunity to paint the majority reason, (remember, 33.34%), but also concerned about timeline, I said YES! So for the past several weeks I had focused my painting efforts on K-9 Zeke's portrait.
The awards ceremony included an award for 2013 Veterinarian of the Year that was presented to Mark D. Meyerhoff, DVM for his dedication including the saving of K-9 Zeke. The Meyerhoff family invited me to present the portrait to Cpl. Miek in person and to the awards dinner. They also gave me wonderful accommodations so that I didn't have to stay at a hotel. So last night, I had the honor of presenting Cpl. Ty Miek with his portrait of K-9 Zeke, his name plate inscription, and his K9 Hero Plaque. Here is a picture taken of Cpl. Miek, K-9 Zeke and their portrait. A large photo of the portrait and plaque can be found on the Completed K-9 Heroes page.
It was a great honor to do this piece and I want to thank all of my current projects for being so patient while this was happening since no one was publicly aware that I was doing this particular portrait since it was to be a surprise. The PVMA, (PA Veterinary Medical Association), the Meyerhoff family, and even Cpl. Miek's wife, Ericka was in on it.
June 30th, 2013 - Updated website, funding tracking.
It's been an entire month since the last update to the website. We needed some time to acclimate to the new location, high in the mountains of Columbia County, PA, near Ricketts Glenn State Park. A glorious place overlooking beautiful scenery while I paint some amazing K9 Heroes. MWD Rronnie was shipped out a few weeks ago and is awaiting his handler's return from his current tour. CWD Narnia has been completed and will be shipped out this week after careful judging of cure-time. I also had a few interesting and eye-opening communications that made me decide to change the way the project is viewed.
As of July 1st, all "Current K9 Heroes" will now show how much has been funded for their portrait, and how much is needed for completion. The numbers needed are based on a much LOWER total cost than originally discussed ($750 per portrait). This brings the hourly rate down to less than $4.00. Why am I doing this? Because you as the handlers and owners have no control over how much time I spend on each portrait. I'm very critical of my work so if I "don't like" a particular part of the portrait and completely clear the canvas and start over, that's not your fault. That is my decision of trying to make the best portrait possible for the recipients, and only I have control over that. What I do not have control over, is shipping costs. If shipping to an APO, the USPS has much lower rates than shipping to a U.S. residential address. This makes for a difference of nearly $50 in shipping fees. The total cost needed for portrait completion is now $500 (2ft by 2ft by 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas). If there is a request for a giclee canvas print to be made of the final portrait, (multiple handlers, owners, etc.), then an additional $100 is needed to cover the cost of a quality reproduction and the shipping costs for the separate recipient. The recipient of the print, however, will not receive an engraved brass and wood plaque unless requested and funded.
I am also implementing a new way of work progress. I will not be continuing on a portrait if funding is not occurring. Since networking and spreading the word about having the portrait done is the responsibility of the recipient (or whomever sent the bio), it will be up to them to make sure funding occurs so that progress can be made on the portrait. I do not want a situation where one K9 Hero has been started, no fundraising efforts taken, while another has had full fundraising MET and not even had the canvas sketched. It's not fair to those who take this project seriously and with heart. That is why I have implemented the use of posting the numbers of what has been sponsored so far and what is needed. The "Sponsored" and "Needed" information will be updated every 24 hours. This new change will help people understand what is needed for a portrait to be started (minimum funding of $135) and completed (total of $500, or more if prints are needed). It is very important to know that if a K9 portrait is started, and funding has stopped mid-way, the portrait itself will be stopped until additional funding occurs or is fully met. Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention that some people may feel that once I start a portrait that I will complete it whether funding occurs or not. This protects my interests as well as the future interest and integrity of The K9 Hero Portrait Project.
Thank you all for your continued support and understanding during these changes. As the project continues, I'm sure it will morph once again to address any other obstacles or neigh-sayers. Loreen
As of July 1st, all "Current K9 Heroes" will now show how much has been funded for their portrait, and how much is needed for completion. The numbers needed are based on a much LOWER total cost than originally discussed ($750 per portrait). This brings the hourly rate down to less than $4.00. Why am I doing this? Because you as the handlers and owners have no control over how much time I spend on each portrait. I'm very critical of my work so if I "don't like" a particular part of the portrait and completely clear the canvas and start over, that's not your fault. That is my decision of trying to make the best portrait possible for the recipients, and only I have control over that. What I do not have control over, is shipping costs. If shipping to an APO, the USPS has much lower rates than shipping to a U.S. residential address. This makes for a difference of nearly $50 in shipping fees. The total cost needed for portrait completion is now $500 (2ft by 2ft by 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas). If there is a request for a giclee canvas print to be made of the final portrait, (multiple handlers, owners, etc.), then an additional $100 is needed to cover the cost of a quality reproduction and the shipping costs for the separate recipient. The recipient of the print, however, will not receive an engraved brass and wood plaque unless requested and funded.
I am also implementing a new way of work progress. I will not be continuing on a portrait if funding is not occurring. Since networking and spreading the word about having the portrait done is the responsibility of the recipient (or whomever sent the bio), it will be up to them to make sure funding occurs so that progress can be made on the portrait. I do not want a situation where one K9 Hero has been started, no fundraising efforts taken, while another has had full fundraising MET and not even had the canvas sketched. It's not fair to those who take this project seriously and with heart. That is why I have implemented the use of posting the numbers of what has been sponsored so far and what is needed. The "Sponsored" and "Needed" information will be updated every 24 hours. This new change will help people understand what is needed for a portrait to be started (minimum funding of $135) and completed (total of $500, or more if prints are needed). It is very important to know that if a K9 portrait is started, and funding has stopped mid-way, the portrait itself will be stopped until additional funding occurs or is fully met. Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention that some people may feel that once I start a portrait that I will complete it whether funding occurs or not. This protects my interests as well as the future interest and integrity of The K9 Hero Portrait Project.
Thank you all for your continued support and understanding during these changes. As the project continues, I'm sure it will morph once again to address any other obstacles or neigh-sayers. Loreen
May 31st, 2013 - WE'VE MOVED! And yet again another K9 Hero Portrait Has Been Completed!
Although we actually moved on the 25th, today was the first day that we have begun to feel "normal" again. I still have yet to unpack all of the painting supplies and canvases, but the easel is up in the perfect spot for lighting, and another portrait awaits completion. Speaking of completion, MWD Rronnie was completed shortly before the move, but unfortunately, I didn't proof his brass nameplate and the engraver spelled Rronnie's name with one "R" instead of two. A quick lesson on the K9's that come from Lackland AFB and a new nameplate was engraved and shipped. Moving in to June, I expect to see at least four portraits in the queue to be started and completed. The change in work schedule and location is making it possible for me to do more portraits for each and every soldier, handler and adopted owner that wants them.In a couple more days, more updates will be available and more plaques ordered. Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this transition!
May 14th, 2013 - We're MOVING! And another K9 Hero Portrait Has Been Completed!
It's been a busy past few weeks, and slow progress with portraits. Some of it is due to my work schedule, but most of it is due to the fact that we are moving the mountains of Pennsylvania! This will enable The K9 Hero Portrait Project to spend more time painting these incredible K9 Heroes. With that said, I was able to complete another K9 Hero: MWD Niko N352. Niko was one of the "Original Five" as I call them. A huge THANK YOU to his handler Ricky C. for being so patient with me while I get MWD Niko's portrait completed. The speed of completions will increase once we are moved and settled in. I'm sure so many of the handlers and owners are anxious to begin seeing progress on their K9 Hero Nominee :) Check out the Completed K9 Heroes page for the new images (still wet from varnishing) of MWD Niko N352.
News March 30th, 2013 - First K9 Hero Portrait Arrives Home!
As many of you know, MWD Gabe was our first K9 Hero to have a portrait done of him. MWD Gabe arrived home to his father this afternoon, safe and sound. Here are Sgt. Shuck's words "From Sgt. Shuck : I love it more than words can say. It is beautiful and it has lots of love put into it. Thank you a million times over".
So this is what The K9 Hero Portrait Project is all about...helping handlers and owners have a beautiful and memorable piece that commemorates all that they and their K9 Hero's have done together.
So this is what The K9 Hero Portrait Project is all about...helping handlers and owners have a beautiful and memorable piece that commemorates all that they and their K9 Hero's have done together.
News March 28th, 2013 - Two weeks and growing!
Today is the two week anniversary since I stayed awake for two straight days to organize and create The K9 Portrait Project. On day three of our project, I decided that I was not going to apply for Non-Profit status due to the tax exemption status. I felt it was incorrect to not pay taxes which could in turn, go towards the K9 working dog programs (military, government, etc.). We are now at the two week mark and I am finding it difficult to garner support from businesses as they tend to lean towards non-profit philanthropy. I understand this, and have received several emails regarding how I could gain more support if I apply. So, I will be looking at non-profit status information again and work with state and IRS guidelines to see our options. I want to make this project a success, and it can only be so with support.
The two week mark has us with six Current K9 Heroes, with three of them with portraits started! This is fantastic news for the project and the response from soldiers and handlers has been incredible. More than half of the nominated K9's are from soldiers and handlers currently serving in Afghanistan. They have been doing a great job getting support from family and friends to help sponsor their K9 Hero's portrait. Since I still am working 50+ hours per week at my office, I am not able to paint as quickly as I would like to. The goal of this project is two-fold: one, to paint as many K9 Heroes each year as possible, two, to leave my office job and paint full time-which increases the amount of portraits per year I can produce! :)
Thank you all for your support of this project. I have heard incredible gratitude from soldiers, handlers, their families and people who heard about the project and support it.
The two week mark has us with six Current K9 Heroes, with three of them with portraits started! This is fantastic news for the project and the response from soldiers and handlers has been incredible. More than half of the nominated K9's are from soldiers and handlers currently serving in Afghanistan. They have been doing a great job getting support from family and friends to help sponsor their K9 Hero's portrait. Since I still am working 50+ hours per week at my office, I am not able to paint as quickly as I would like to. The goal of this project is two-fold: one, to paint as many K9 Heroes each year as possible, two, to leave my office job and paint full time-which increases the amount of portraits per year I can produce! :)
Thank you all for your support of this project. I have heard incredible gratitude from soldiers, handlers, their families and people who heard about the project and support it.
News March 20th, 2013 - First Supporters of The K9 Hero Portrait Project!
I will keep the names of the parties private, but wanted to THANK the first group of supporters to The K9 Hero Portrait Project!
What joy to see people here in the States and even those who are overseas protecting the U.S.A. as I write this, supporting K9 Heroes. I'm so proud to get to see the names of these families as it ignites a new belief in me that there ARE wonderful people who feel as I do about this project and these K9's. THANK YOU!
What joy to see people here in the States and even those who are overseas protecting the U.S.A. as I write this, supporting K9 Heroes. I'm so proud to get to see the names of these families as it ignites a new belief in me that there ARE wonderful people who feel as I do about this project and these K9's. THANK YOU!
News March 19, 2013 - We have our first Nominee! MWD Rronnie
The K9 Hero Portrait Project is excited to announce we have our first nomination for a K9 Hero portrait, MWD Rronnie! MWD Rronnie is currently deployed to Afghanistan with his handler Sgt. Keith Stein. I would love for them to come home after this mission to a fantastic portrait and list of supporters!
Please show your support by donating towards MWD Rronnie's portrait by going to the Current K9 Heroes page. Every little bit counts, even just $1! Thank you!
Please show your support by donating towards MWD Rronnie's portrait by going to the Current K9 Heroes page. Every little bit counts, even just $1! Thank you!
