Alberta K9 headed to Ukraine

Fundraising is underway to send an Alberta bomb-sniffing dog to help with the war in Ukraine.

Torch is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, specifically trained by the Red Deer area-based Alberta K9 for public safety patrol and detection of explosive material.

Alberta K9 is working with Edmonton-based charity Firefighter Aid Ukraine to coordinate the transfer of Torch to the State Emergency Services of Ukraine (DSNS). The charity is fundraising for travel costs and to equip Torch with safety equipment, like a ballistic vest.

The co-owner of Alberta K9 says watching the news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine inspired him to find a way to help. While Ukraine has its on K9 program, the need for bomb detection dogs intensified with the conflict.

“We wanted to find a meaningful way to support the citizens of Ukraine as they navigate the incomprehensible invasion of their country,” says Matt Lapointe.

Alberta K9 monitors all of their dogs to find their best placement. From the same litter as Torch, K9 Marshall is currently helping Edmonton Fire Rescue Services sniff out if accelerants were used in fires.

Lapointe says Torch took a bit longer because of his unique intensity.

“Torch is a very intense dog, the Belgian Malinois breed is a very intense dog, they don’t tend to make good pets just because they are so driven and focused.” But Lapointe says this drive combined with a killer nose makes him well-suited for the job.

Alberta K9 expects to deliver Torch to Kyiv, along with representatives of Firefighter Aid Ukraine, in the fall of 2023. A handler will stay to help transition the K9.

Firefighter Aid Ukraine has been donating equipment to Ukrainian firefighters for over a decade. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, they have increased their fundraising and had teams travel to Ukraine to share expertise.