When duty calls, they respond. When faced with danger, they act. When emergency strikes, they come running.

And they always arrive…on four legs.

They’re working dogs. From police, to military, to search and rescue – their mission is to serve and protect others. While the situations and responsibilities differ, each pooch has the same purpose: Help those in need.

But what happens when these courageous canines need help? Tracy Spader of the K9 Defender Fund found an answer.

“I started the K9 Defender Fund in 2013 out of admiration and respect for the work done by military, police, search/rescue and fire dogs,” said Spader. “These K9’s and their handlers put their lives on the line each day and need to be protected if something goes wrong.”

As the mother of an Air Force Captain, Spader has a deep passion for working dog teams. She’s even opened her home to two military dogs, Buddy and Jig. “It’s a privilege to support the K9’s who work tirelessly to protect us,” said Spader. “No matter the circumstances, no matter the injuries, they’re determined to get up every day and do it again.”

A Kit Fit for a K9

That’s why, four years ago, Spader created the Buddy Bag. With the help of two veterinarians (one of whom spent time with the military), the bag contains supplies specially selected to meet the needs of injured animals.

What’s the cost for a first responder who wants to buy a bag?

Zero dollars.

“Many departments like police and military have experienced budget setbacks. So, the organization donates Buddy Bags to working dog teams in need,” said Spader. “When we provide the bags, I require every handler to give me a verbal ‘YES.’ That means they will work with their veterinarian so they know how to properly use the items found in the Buddy Bag.”

To date, more than 600 Buddy Bags have been donated to first responders in 43 states and areas where the US military is active. While Spader hasn’t heard from every department – she knows the bags are making a difference.

“In Kentucky, an officer and his K9 partner were assisting with an arrest. While stopping the suspect, the dog was injured. Luckily the officer had a Buddy Bag and was able to give aid to his partner at the scene. The dog has made a full recovery and is now back to work. Since that incident, the police department is committed to promoting the use of Buddy Bags,” said Spader.

State Farm is a financial supporter of Buddy Bag program and its commitment to assist emergency personnel. At a recent State Farm Arson Dog training, teams not only detected the presence of accelerants like lighter fluid and gasoline at fire scenes, they also learned how to use the Buddy Bags.

“Many animals in this line of work risk being burned through the course of an explosion, fire or accident,” said Spader. “Rescuers are taught how to administer oxygen, how to perform first-aid for injuries, administer lifesaving drugs and how to use other Buddy Bag supplies.”

So what’s next for Buddy Bags?

“We’re staying busy,” said Spader. “We want to keep supporting K9 units by providing adequate supplies. We’re continuing to fundraise and educate. After all, I’ve seen the difference these furry spirits can make in a person’s life. We need to ensure while keeping others safe, they stay safe.”

To learn more about the K9 Defender Fund or to donate, click here.

“Without a doubt, my fiancé Al and I knew Daisy needed to be our ring bearer,” said Erba. “She was the first dog Al and I had together. By caring for Daisy, we learned a lot about ourselves. She holds a special spot in our hearts."

But Daisy isn’t your ordinary pooch. Today, she fights crime in New York as a State Farm Arson Dog.

"Her ability to investigate and identify possible causes of fire is critical,” said her partner, Detective John Peters. “For example, Daisy discovered accelerant at a scene initially ruled an accidental death. The case became a homicide.”

So how did this loveable Labrador become a crime fighting K-9 and a ring bearer on Erba’s big day?

The journey began in 2011.

“When I was a college sophomore, I started volunteering with the organization Paws With A Cause,” said Erba. It trains dogs to help people with special needs.” An animal science major at Michigan State University, Erba says no one questioned her decision to care for a puppy. Or even bring it with her to class. But her biggest support system?

Erba’s then-boyfriend Al Heritier. "He was really cool with it. We raised her as a team," Erba smiled. That responsibility brought us closer together." As Daisy grew, her path to becoming    a disability assistance dog took a new turn.

"She displayed a different set of personality traits," said Erba. "Those qualities included her energy and innate sense of curiosity - which made her well suited to be a State Farm Arson Dog instead."

A New Beginning

Daisy and Maddy parted ways in 2012...but their relationship did not end there. “Al and I keep touch with Detective Peters and Daisy,” she said. “In fact, when we were vacationing in New York, we got together with them. It was a great experience.”

While raising Daisy, Maddy also created a Facebook page to chronicle their adventures. After Daisy joined forces with Detective Peters, he chose to keep it going. Titled, Daisy the Arson Detection Dog, the page shares fun and informative updates about their investigative work.

So, when Maddy and Al chose to wed on May 27, 2017 – they knew Daisy needed to be part of their big day. As an arson dog who serves and protects her city…it was only fitting she should serve and protect their rings. (Click here to watch Daisy walk down the aisle - People.com).

“She was there at the start of our relationship. Having her in our wedding signified the next chapter,” said Erba. “It shows how far Al and I have come and the bright future that lies ahead…not just for us, but for Daisy too.”