Throw Away Dogs Project

• Earlier this month, Sgt. Matys and K9 Stevie proudly graduated from the Penn Vet Working Dog Center’s scent detection school. Over the past 10 weeks, the team completed an intensive training program, developing the skills needed to serve Harford County as an explosives detection K9 team.

Stevie’s journey is especially meaningful. Raised and developed from puppyhood by Penn Vet, Stevie was named in honor of Police Officer Stephen Charles Plum Jr. of the Warrington Township Police Department, who passed away in 2022. Officer Plum was a devoted K9 handler and a dedicated supporter of Penn Vet’s working dog program. Stevie carries his legacy forward with every search and every deployment.

Penn Vet Working Dog Center is nationally recognized for preparing young dogs for careers in search and rescue, law enforcement, and conservation detection. Their training emphasizes drive, resilience, and the strong bond between handler and K9 partner — qualities that Sgt. Matys and Stevie demonstrated throughout the course.

We are proud to welcome K9 Stevie to our K9 Unit, and we look forward to the important work this team will do to help keep our community safe!

As we continue reflecting on some incredible moments for Throw Away Dogs Project, we want to once again thank Petco Love for selecting us as a Helping Heroes Grant recipient. 💜

Support like this helps us continue giving misunderstood dogs a second chance through purpose, training, and service.

We are incredibly grateful for organizations that believe in our mission and the impact these dogs can make. Thank you again, Petco Love, for standing behind Throw Away Dogs Project and the work we do every day.