K9 Tesla: Supporting Police K9 & Therapy Dog Programs for First Responders
K9 Tesla was more than a therapy dog—she was a beacon of comfort and resilience for first responders and their communities. Her calm presence, gentle demeanor, and unwavering loyalty changed countless lives. Though she passed in April 2025, her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the mission we carry forward. Learn how our therapy dog programs for first responders help support the mental health and wellness of police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other public safety professionals.
Explore available law enforcement k9 grants designed to help agencies offset the costs associated with acquiring and training police dogs.
Remembering Tesla: The therapy dog who gave everything is inspiring police donations & memorial gifts
K9 Tesla wasn’t just a therapy dog—she was a trusted companion, a calm in the storm, and a symbol of connection for first responders across Southeastern Wisconsin. For over six years, Tesla served fire departments, dispatch centers, police stations, and community organizations, offering comfort in high-stress environments. Her presence was quiet but powerful, reminding everyone she met that they weren’t alone.
From her earliest visits, it was clear that Tesla had something special. She didn’t need to speak or perform tricks to change the mood in a room—just being there was enough. Whether sitting beside a firefighter after a difficult call or greeting officers with her signature gentle tail wag, Tesla instinctively knew where she was needed most. She provided a safe space for people to breathe, reset, and feel understood without ever saying a word.
Tesla passed away from a stroke on April 14, 2025, but the love and healing she gave continues to ripple outward. Her legacy lives on through the K9 Tesla Foundation, which supports therapy dog programs in public safety departments that too often go underfunded. Tesla’s story is a reminder that compassion isn’t just soft—it’s strong. And through the work of this foundation, she’s still serving the people who serve us.
Funding Police K9 & Therapy Dog Programs
Police K9 and public safety therapy dog programs often operate without reliable financial support—even though their services are invaluable to first responders and the communities they serve. The K9 Tesla Foundation provides grants and scholarship funding to help police K9 units and public safety therapy dog programs continue serving first responders and their communities. Whether you’re applying for support or ready to give, you can help continue Tesla’s work.
Many police departments and first responder agencies rely on donations, nonprofit support, and community fundraising to sustain therapy dog and K9 wellness programs. The K9 Tesla Foundation helps provide grant and scholarship opportunities that support police K9 initiatives, therapy dog programs, training, equipment, and wellness outreach efforts.
