Meet Our Dogs

Kennel: Boss Malinois

Foster:

Legacy: Named in honor of Bess Pierce, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVIM, DACVSMR

Job: In training

Kennel: PVWDC Boomer/Poppy

Foster: Claudette Fonshell

Legacy: Named in honor of Ben Darling, a FEMA Search & Rescue K9 and partner to the PVWDC’s longtime friend and partner, Eric Darling.  Ben served on FEMA task forces in California and Pennsylvania, was a graduate of the National Search Dog Foundation, and was “big brother” to the many PVWDC puppies whelped by Tracy and Eric Darling.  Ben is sponsored by the Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream Fund.

Job: In training

Kennel: Mill Iron Dutch Shepherds

Foster: Tim Greco

Legacy: Named in honor of “Buster” – NJ State Police (NJSP) Patrol Dog Owned and handled by PVWDC’ former Training Director, Annemarie DeAngelo. Buster was Annemarie’s first Dual Purpose LE K9 during her career with the NJSP.

Job: In training

Kennel: Barbihaus Kennels

Foster:

Legacy: Named in honor of Henry (Hank) Riley – a friend and donor of the PVWDC who’s impactful estate gift allowed the PVWDC to enhance our training spaces and invest in our future. Hank and all of our other pups are graeful for the donors who believe in our mission. If you are interested in learning about including the WDC in your estate plans, please contact Amber McElrath @ amcelrat@vet.upenn.edu for information on legacy giving options.

Job: In training

Kennel: Nose Dogs Detection Services

Foster:

Legacy: Named in honor of PVWDC graduate and Arizona TF-1 USAR K9 JP (FKA Jesse P).

Job: In training

Kennel: PVWDC Boomer/Poppy

Foster: Taylor Alejo & Christian Howard

Legacy: Named and sponsored by Stephen Springer, a dear friend and supporter of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, in honor of his beloved family pet, Kane.

Job: In training

Kennel: Ironsight Malinois

Foster: Victoria Soley & Neeraj Pattan (puppy foster: Shannon McMorris)

Legacy: Otto is named in honor of a generous gift from a family that has a strong connection to the Dutch Shepherd breed and the PVWDC. The family’s Dutch Shepherd, Amber, who passed away in 2024, participated in classes at PVWDC and met Dr. Otto. As a tribute to both Amber and Dr. Otto, the family chose to name the new puppy Otto.

Sponsored by: The Dutch Shepherd-Amber Memorial Fund.

Job: In training

Kennel: PVWDC Boomer/Poppy

Foster: Abby Goldberg

Legacy: Named in honor of the PVWDC’s longstanding relationship and partnership with Arizona Search Dogs and the many members of the Phoenix FD and AZ-TF1 who are partnered with PVWDC Graduate K9s.  Phoenix is sponsored by the Danny Parker Legacy Fund.

Job: In training

Kennel: Signal Corps K9

Foster: Schell Podoll & Maddie Hedgepeth 

Legacy: Named in honor of Ransom, the beloved German Shepherd of Bob and Joanne Dougherty, who have helped and continue to help raise countless working dogs for the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Ransom Senior was a true ambassador for the breed and left a lasting impact on the PVWDC community.

Job: In training

Kennel: Darkmoon Farms and Kennels

Foster: Ning Li

Legacy: Raymo is named in loving memory of Dr. Raymond Otto, the late father of our Executive Director, Dr. Cindy Otto. Raymo as he was called by his family, was a devoted father, educator, and longtime dentist whose life was defined by service, curiosity, and compassion. Throughout his career, he cared deeply for his patients and community, taught future generations, and continued to give back through volunteer work around the world.

Sponsored by: Named and sponsored by Sheila Otto in honor of Raymond Otto

Job: In training

Kennel: Ontelaunee Field Goldens

Foster: Vilok Parimi

Legacy: Rip is named in honor of “Rip” – FEMA Urban Search and Rescue K9 partnered with PVWDC Retired Training Manager, Pat Kaynaroglu. Not only was Rip an amazing Search & Rescue K9 – he was an integral part of the PVWDC and our Canine Handler Academy Program.

Sponsored by: John Moore

Job: In training