US Army Special Operations Combat Experience Based Firearms Training, Tactical Training and K9 Training. Traveling the Country Training Law Abiding Citizens, Military and Law Enforcement Agencies
Experience Not Theory
In honor of
combat assault dog duco
5 JULY 2021
#INHONOROFDUCO
Combat Assault Dog Duco, a courageous Dutch Shepherd, served valiantly from 2012 to 2017 in Operation Enduring Freedom during the Global War on Terrorism alongside his handler, 29-year US Army Special Operations combat veteran Rick Hogg, with deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Hogg shared a profound connection with Duco, describing him as an extension of himself. Duco's remarkable adaptability was nothing short of extraordinary. He could shift gears seamlessly, ready to act with every change in circumstance - a testament to his exceptional abilities as a SOF K9.
Regrettably, Duco was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer in retirement. With the support of donated funds, a team of dedicated veterinarians provided specialized care, including leg amputation and chemotherapy. This allowed Duco to return to the embrace of his loving family.
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Despite this courageous fight, Duco's cancer returned, and he passed away on July 5, 2021. In the midst of their grief, Hogg and his family made a vow to pay it forward, ensuring that other special forces K9s receive the life-saving care they require. After years of unwavering support from his canine partner, Hogg is now determined to reciprocate by safeguarding and extending the lives of these heroic animals.
the In honor of duco project
The Mission ...
Rick Hogg, a 29-year US Army Special Ops veteran, joined forces with Scott's Wish to ensure that no Special Operations Forces (SOF) K9 handler is burdened with making medical decisions for their cherished partner in retirement due to financial constraints.
Much like their human counterparts, these dogs, having endured harsh and perilous working conditions, often require specialized medical attention upon discharge. However, unlike humans, there's no "Doggie VA" or government-funded assistance for the often substantial veterinary expenses.
This is where the “Duco Project” steps in. The initiative pays tribute to these canine heroes who served our nation, while also generating funds to cover the highly specialized care they may require post-military service.
It is thanks to dogs like Duco that many soldiers stand alive today.
The "Duco Project" also supports a range of causes when feasible, providing ballistic vests and specialized care for law enforcement K9s, sponsoring service dogs for veterans, and aiding related 501c3 organizations. It also helps cover vet bills for pets of homeless veterans via the VA and contributes to care packages for deployed Military Working Dog teams worldwide.
How you can help
You don't have to be a military "handler" to help these special dogs. Do your part to protect the K9's who protect their teams and the country every day. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today!
As all volunteers in our 501c3, please know your donations are not going towards salaries, office overhead, or fundraising companies, we strive to return almost every dollar back into the areas we serve.
​Donations can be made with a credit/debit card or paypal through the donate button below.
Prefer to mail a check? Checks should be made out to Scott's Wish & mailed to: Scott's Wish, 742 Millikens Bnd, Covington, LA 70433
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*Please put "In Honor of Duco" in the notes/memo section
Current Project
In Honor of Duco Project Recipients
SOF K9 Conan
In October 27, 2019, a special operations military working dog named Conan took part in the Barisha raid in Syria, which resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the then-leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, ISIS) terror organization. He chased Baghdadi down into a tunnel where the terror leader detonated his suicide vest. For his actions, Conan was hailed a hero by President Trump during a ceremony at the White House.
SOF K9 Vader
SOF K9 Vader has deployed all over the world in support of Special Operations missions. His handler said this, probably one of Vaders best attributes is he never quit, even when he was hot and tired, hurt or hungry. He never stopped.
The Duco Project has helped with his medical bills and treatment. He’s grateful and so am I. It’s all about quality of life for Vader now. It’s about giving him the retirement he truly deserves. Military Working Dogs are the best and do so much for our troops, and handlers. I grateful to have had my time with Vader.
Retired War Dog, SOF K9 Nico
K9 Nico, a retired SEAL dog, was chosen by Will Chesney to accept the medal of bravery on behalf of Cairo. Nico is living out retirement on the ranch with his dad/handler Taylor Canfield.
MPC Layka, Ranger Dog of War
MPC Layka, the first dog to receive the Medal of Heroism since WWII, saved the lives of U.S. troops in Afghanistan even after she was shot and gravely wounded.
Featured on the cover of National Geographic and in an HBO documentary called “War Dog: A Soldier’s Best Friend,” most recently Layka is credited as inspiration to “DOG”, Louisianan Channing Tatum’s new film, along with her handler US Army Ranger Julian McDonald, who himself is a Purple Heart recipient.
MPC Layka Memorial Statue
MPC Tyson, Ranger Dog of War
MPC Tyson lives with his dad/handler Trey Panella. Panella was recently seen in “DOG”, Louisianan Channing Tatum’s new film.
SSD Johnnie, a retired Specialized Search Dog
SSD Johnnie was assigned to his handler from Lackland AFB, TX in 2013 at the age of 3. Johnnie is an off-leash capable explosive detection dog. After graduating school, Johnnie and his handler were assigned to Fort Polk, La until 2014 where we were then assigned to Fort Riley, KS. During their 5 years there, they conducted a deployment to Afghanistan to assist Special Operations, United States Secret Service missions in support of POTUS and VPOTUS, and Law Enforcement duties.
K9 Reza, Louisiana State Trooper
State Trooper K9 Reza was involved in dozens of significant narcotics smuggling investigations conducted by the Louisiana State Police Criminal Patrols Unit. Her skills have resulted in the direct seizure of over one thousand pounds of illegal narcotics with a wholesale value of over $9 million dollars, plus hundreds of thousands of dollars from the sale of illegal narcotics.
K9 Max, Gretna Police Department
Max is a dual-purpose canine with the Gretna Police Department trained for patrol/narcotics detection and we wanted to make sure he made it back safe from his shift each day.
​The K9 Storm Patrol Swat Vest is the custom fit choice in over 35 countries, with the same body armor as their handler's vests to protect them from gunshots and penetrating wounds.
K9 Nino, Gretna Police Department
Nino is a dual-purpose canine with the Gretna Police Department trained for patrol/narcotics detection and we wanted to make sure he made it back safe from his shift each day.
​The K9 Storm Patrol Swat Vest is the custom fit choice in over 35 countries, with the same body armor as their handler's vests to protect them from gunshots and penetrating wounds.
MWDTSA Holiday Care Packages
When we saw their post their dog toy count was only 153 out of the 800 needed, our Scott's Wish Duco Project stepped up to fill the remaining toys. Thanks to USA-K9 for matching our toys and ensuring all the hard-working military dogs get a special treat this holiday season.
We are proud to partner with Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc., they support US Military working dog teams deployed around the globe not only with their quarterly care packages, but in many other ways.
Holiday Party & Care Packages
We're all about spreading Joy for men and women who have served our country, and we sponsored a 2022 holiday pawty at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home and delivered a Silver Swag Box of goodies to all of the residents.
Our 2024 Recipients
Service Dog - Barin
Service Dog Barin is the daughter of SOF K9 Bear.
She had a spiral fracture that required surgery to repair
Watch the tribute from Max Martini...
We can never re-pay our friend, actor and director Max Martini, for reading this beautiful tribute to surprise US Army 29yr special operations combat veteran Rick Hogg at Mutts to Models in November. Hogg lost his beloved K9Duco over the summer.
​If you love military movies, then it’s safe to say you'll recognize Max from his roles in Saving Private Ryan, as Oz in 13 Hours, a NAVY Seal commander in Captain Phillips, to Master Sergeant Mack Gerhardt in the military drama television series The Unit, among many others.
While his film career doesn’t only include military-centric roles, he’s built a reputation among the military community as both a proud supporter of service members and one of the most badass actors ever to portray them on screen, we are so grateful for his help surprising Hogg at the Mutts to Models Charity Gala.
How you can help
You don't have to be a military "handler" to help these special dogs. Do your part to protect the K9's who protect their teams and the country every day. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today!
As all volunteers in our 501c3, please know your donations are not going towards salaries, rent/office overhead, or fundraising companies, we strive to return almost every dollar back into the areas we serve.
​Donations can be made with a credit/debit card or paypal through the donate button below.
Prefer to mail a check? Checks should be made out to Scott's Wish & mailed to: Scott's Wish, 742 Millikens Bnd, Covington, LA 70433
​
*Please put "In Honor of Duco" in the notes/memo section
Excerpted from our recent press release...
New Program Raises Funds for Medical Care for Elite Class of Canine Veterans
Mardi Paws, the pup-ular parade for dogs that takes place each Carnival season in Covington, Louisiana, isn’t just about doing good one day of the year. It’s an organization that raises money all year round for Scott’s Wish, a nonprofit that’s been helping pets and people since 2008. Now Mardi Paws and Scott’s Wish are pleased to announce the creation of a new fund designed to help an elite pack of dogs that fly under the radar … literally.
The new program, called “In Honor of Duco,” is a very special fund for very special dogs, the best of the best. We’re talking about retired K9 commandos who have served as Special Forces Combat Assault Dogs (in military lingo, a “CAD”). Most people didn’t even know about this ultra-unique class of American military dogs until one named Cairo was involved in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, but a select group of canines serves alongside U.S. elite forces in the most sensitive and stressful military situations. They’re often working behind enemy lines, truly sniffing out danger and hunting what can best be described as “high-value targets.” They are the biggest combat multiplier on the battlefield and their amazing stories are usually left untold, but these specially trained dogs protect their handlers – and their country – every day.
