Meet Deni, one of two National Ambassadors who now call the Project K-9 Hero Headquarters and Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility in Tennessee home full-time.

A nine-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Deni honorably served with the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration as a Passenger Screening Explosive Detection K-9. Over seven years of service, he helped protect more than one million travelers while primarily stationed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with additional assignments supporting security efforts at LAX and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Throughout his distinguished career, Deni passed every certification with excellence and assisted with security operations for major events, including Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, the 2023 MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park, and the prestigious Concours d’Elegance car show in Monterey, CA. He also participated in multi-agency operations alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Coast Guard at the Port of Seattle.

After retiring on January 15, 2025, Deni unexpectedly found himself in need of a new home through no fault of his own. Wanting to ensure he continued receiving the stability, care, and comfort he deserved after years of loyal service, Project K-9 Hero immediately welcomed him into their family.

Once staff members traveled across the country to bring Deni home, it quickly became clear he belonged exactly where he was. Rather than placing him up for adoption, the decision was made for Deni to remain on-site as a lifelong Ambassador—surrounded by the people who love and care for him every day.