Indy’s Underdogs- From Shelter to Shield
What do you get when you mix a high-energy shelter dog with expert training and a second chance? A crime-fighting K9—and a new lease on life.
Redemption Ranch K9, an Indiana nonprofit founded by Officer Rob Prichard, is celebrating one powerful year. The group rescues overlooked shelter dogs and trains them to become police K9s. Most law enforcement trained dogs can cost upwards of $25,000 according to Prichard. “Our goal is to never charge a police department for one of our dogs,” he said. As far as the process goes, Prichard finds a dog from the shelter that he believes is capable, he then pairs the K9 with a handler. Training begins until the animal reaches the working standards.
“These dogs were once on the brink of being put down,” said Prichard. “Now, they’re protecting schools, communities, and their handlers.”
In the past year, Redemption Ranch K9 has
- trained 10 K9 dogs who have been placed with 9 police agencies
- Those dogs helped take 200 kilos of meth and 15 kilos of cocaine off the streets
- They’re trained for drug detection, tracking, and even therapy work
“This isn’t just rescue,” Prichard said. “It’s redemption.”
Redemption Ranch K9 based in Plainfield is gaining national attention. It’s changing lives on both ends of the leash—saving dogs and helping officers protect their communities.
