Project Paws Alive (PPAK9), a national nonprofit, is fundraising to provide vital equipment for K9 Beau and K9 Viper of the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office in DeKalb, Mississippi. The equipment goal for both units consists of two ACE K9 Hot-N-Pop PRO vehicle heat alarm systems with AceWatchDog monitoring for their patrol vehicles.
Most citizens assume that because a K9 is a sworn officer, the agency funds its equipment. That assumption is false. Due to budget cuts and economic constraints, 92% of K9 units rely solely on nonprofit donations. Most agencies are prohibited from spending public funds on equipment not designated for human officers — and the majority of K9 units are classified as “non-essential” or “specialty” units that receive no dedicated budget at all.
These highly trained K9s dutifully protect and serve us every day and we believe they should be protected in return.
The equipment we provide is highly specialized and professional-grade — which is why it requires dedicated funding. Every dollar donated goes directly toward protecting these K9s.
Our goal is to raise $6,000 to provide this vital equipment.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.
K9 Beau
Handler: Deputy Dylan Fulton, SRT Commander
Breed: Dutch Shepherd | Age: 4 years | Sex: Male
Certifications: Narcotics Detection, Tracking, Patrol
Beau works alongside his handler, Deputy Dylan Fulton, SRT Commander, specializing in narcotics detection, tracking, and patrol. In 2025, Beau earned Top Dog honors and a National Certification in Narcotics — proof of the dedication and skill this K9 brings to his community every single day.
Beau currently patrols in a 2025 Ford Explorer. A 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe is also on the way. Neither vehicle is equipped to protect him if temperatures rise while he is inside.
K9 Viper
Handler: Deputy Illya McClendon, K-9 Handler
Breed: German Shepherd | Age: 2 years | Sex: Female
Certifications: Explosives Detection, Tracking
Viper is a 2-year-old German Shepherd newly partnered with Deputy Illya McClendon. A new team, they are already certified in Explosives Detection and Tracking — bringing critical capabilities to the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office every day.
Viper patrols in a 2026 Ford Explorer PPV — a vehicle currently without any heat alarm or automatic door release system.
Why Beau & Viper Need This Equipment
Every year, K9s die in hot vehicles — not from neglect, but from circumstance. A handler gets pulled into a situation. A radio call takes longer than expected. A malfunction. A distraction. It happens to the most dedicated officers in the country, and it is 100% preventable with the right technology.
Neither Beau nor Viper has a vehicle heat alarm or automatic door release system. Together they cover narcotics, explosives detection, tracking, and patrol — keeping their community safe around the clock. PPAK9 will equip both vehicles with the full ACE K9 Hot-N-Pop PRO Maximum System.
The Equipment: ACE K9 Hot-N-Pop PRO Maximum System
The ACE K9 Hot-N-Pop PRO Maximum System is the most sophisticated combination K9 door opening and vehicle temperature monitoring system available to law enforcement. PPAK9 always provides the full maximum system, including every feature described below. We do not cut corners. This is what makes us different.
What the system monitors:
The Hot-N-Pop PRO uses dual temperature sensors and continuously monitors vehicle interior temperature, battery voltage, engine stall, carbon monoxide, smoke, and fire. The moment conditions become dangerous, the system acts automatically — before a dangerous situation becomes a deadly one.
What happens when danger is detected:
The system triggers immediate audible and visual alerts — horns, sirens, and light bar activation. At the same time, the system activates air conditioning and window fans to begin cooling the vehicle interior. As a last resort, the vehicle door can be remotely unlocked and popped open — either by the handler or through the AceWatchDog app — allowing the K9 to exit safely.
Constant Monitoring:
The AceWatchDog smartphone app connects directly to the Hot-N-Pop PRO and delivers real-time temperature and vehicle status alerts — from anywhere in the world, 24/7. Multiple users, including supervisors, can monitor simultaneously.
“Forget Me Not” — CAR ON / MANUAL OFF:
The Hot-N-Pop PRO automatically powers on every time the ignition is turned on and requires the handler to manually shut it down at the end of every shift — eliminating a critical gap in protection.
“No K9 Left Behind”:
Every system includes ACE K9’s “No K9 Left Behind” feature — a safeguard that will not shut down until the K9 compartment door has been fully opened and the K9 physically removed. This is not optional. This is standard.
Year-round protection:
The dual temperature sensors monitor for both dangerously high and dangerously low temperatures — protecting both Beau and Viper from Mississippi’s intense summer heat and cold winter nights.
To learn more about the ACE K9 Hot-N-Pop PRO heat alarm system, click here.
How to Help
To donate online click the button above or click HERE to give securely through PayPal.
Mail a check:
Project Paws Alive
2095 Hwy 211, STE 2F-273
Braselton, GA 30517
Please make checks payable to Project Paws Alive and include “Kemper CSO” in the memo line.
Questions? Contact us at Admin@PPAK9.org.
About: Project Paws Alive, Inc. (PPAK9) is a nationwide 501c3 nonprofit that is volunteer run. PPAK9’s mission is to provide vital K9 equipment to underfunded law enforcement, fire, and military K9s throughout the United States. PPAK9 relies solely on donations to provide the lifesaving equipment that agencies cannot afford. 100% of donations go toward protective K9 equipment. To donate or obtain more information about PPAK9 please visit www.ppak9.org
PPAK9 is a Platinum-level Candid certified nonprofit and a GreatNonprofits Top-Rated 5-Star Charity.
