K-9 Bond Finds New Home in Texas

K-9 Bond, the police dog who served with the Olney Police Department, has found a new lease on life after the loss last year of his handler, Corporal Miranda Wright.

Bond has officially been adopted by an active-duty military working dog handler in Texas—someone he met during a period of uncertainty following Wright’s death, and who has now stepped forward to provide him with the peaceful retirement he deserves, Jason Johnson, founder of Project K9 Hero said..

“This is a handler whom he met previously, while he was in limbo and without a home,” said Mr. Johnson, founder of Project K-9 Hero. “We couldn’t be any happier that this incredible person volunteered to take care of him fur-ever.”

The adoption marked a milestone for Project K-9 Hero, a national nonprofit that provides lifelong medical care and support for retired police and military working dogs. K-9 Bond is the 300th program member in the organization’s history.

Bond’s path to retirement has been marked by service and sorrow. He officially retired on August 14, 2024, just days after the passing of his handler, Cpl. Wright, a longtime and beloved OPD officer, who died after a battle with stage 4 cancer.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, on March 25, 1977, Cpl. Wright dedicated 20 years to public service in Olney and Young County, working for both the Olney Police Department and Olney EMS.

Over her career, she partnered with several dogs, including K-9 Fox, K-9 Sam, and finally, K-9 Bond. Together, she and Bond successfully tracked numerous suspects and removed dangerous drugs from the community.

Just weeks before her diagnosis, the duo earned second place in Tracking at the USPCA Region 25 Trials in Wichita Falls.

Wright’s deep connection to Bond extended beyond the job. She often trained with a tight-knit group of handlers nicknamed the “K9 Kult,” and shared her passion for canine work with her best friend, Sgt. Hailey Calcote of the Graham Police Department.

“I have been a handler for five years and a police officer for ten,” Sgt. Calcote said. “Miranda and I trained together constantly, and I served as Bond’s decoy for years. When Miranda found out about her cancer, she asked me to make one promise: to bring Bond to her funeral, so he would know she didn’t abandon him.”

Sgt. Calcote fulfilled that promise, bringing Bond to both the viewing and the funeral. She also took over his care in the months that followed, despite already having three dogs and her own K-9.

Bond, who suffers from allergies and anxiety, required costly prescription food and medications—expenses that were a concern until Project K-9 Hero stepped in.

“Project K-9 Hero accepting Bond means more than anyone could know,” Sgt. Calcote said. “The financial burden has been lifted, and I know he’ll always be taken care of. They will help carry the legacy of K-9 Cpl. Miranda Wright and K-9 Bond for years to come.”

Now, that legacy continues with a new chapter: Bond’s adoption by a fellow working dog handler who asked not to be identified for security reasons, Mr. Johnson said.

“We couldn’t think of a better candidate for our 300th member than Bond,” Mr. Johnson said. “His case embodies everything our organization stands for—to assist members of law enforcement and ensure that their faithful companions receive the care they deserve after their service. We are honored to accept Bond into our Pack and to carry forward the legacy of Miranda Wright.”