Read about the dogs that have been selected for training and their journey to get here!
Your generosity will give our dogs a second chance—not only to discover their purpose, but also to make a meaningful difference in someone else's life. Please consider supporting their journey as they build confidence, restore independence, and prepare to change a life through The K9 Comeback Project.
ROCKY
Rocky's future was uncertain at the Chesterfield, SC Animal Shelter, where space was quickly running out. When the opportunity arose, Rocky traveled more than two hours to be evaluated by RPK9 Academy. After a full day of assessments, he was chosen as the very first dog to join The K9 Comeback Project.
We are now raising funds to help Rocky begin his Emotional Support Animal (ESA) training in the coming weeks. Through this specialized program, Rocky will gain the skills and confidence needed to become a devoted ESA companion. Upon successful completion of his training, he will be thoughtfully matched with an individual whose quality of life can be enhanced through the companionship and support of an Emotional Support Animal.
MELODY
Melody is the longest-term resident at the Vance County Animal Shelter. At just over a year old, she has already spent most of her young life waiting for a family to call her own.
Despite the challenges of long-term shelter life, Melody remains a sweet, loving girl. Like many dogs who spend extended time in a kennel, she has begun to show signs of kennel stress—but her gentle spirit continues to shine through.
When Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society brought Melody to The K9 Comeback Project's first evaluation day, she quickly stole everyone's hearts. She stood out for her calm focus, eagerness to please, and ability to tune out distractions. Most of all, she is motivated by love, praise, and human connection.
Melody has all the qualities needed to become an exceptional Emotional Support Animal or Therapy Dog. With the right training and a family ready to give her the love she deserves, she has the potential to change someone's life while finally getting the second chance she's been waiting for.
Your support helps dogs like Melody move beyond the shelter and into lives filled with purpose, partnership, and hope.
CINDER
Cinder arrived at the Vance County Animal Shelter as a stray, with no known history and no one to tell her story. At just over a year old, she has already faced an uncertain start in life.
Although little is known about her past, the staff at Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society recognized something special in Cinder through their interactions with her. Because of her gentle nature and eagerness to connect with people, they brought her to The K9 Comeback Project's evaluation day to see what she might be capable of.
Cinder quickly became one of the evaluation's standout dogs. She demonstrated exceptional focus, confidence, and a remarkable aptitude, earning the highest potential rating as a future Service Dog candidate.
Her journey is only beginning. As Cinder enters training and gains confidence, her unique personality and abilities will continue to blossom. With your support, we can provide the specialized training she needs to reach her full potential—transforming a once-forgotten stray into a life-changing partner for someone in need.
HARPER
Harper deserves her second chance. The K9 Comeback Project is hoping to be that second chance with your help!
In 2023, Harper was at the top of the euthanasia list at the Lee County Animal Shelter. Her time had run out. Then Mary Ashburn, founder of Lending Paws a Hand, saw something special in her. Harper was incredibly sweet, and Mary refused to let her story end there. She brought Harper to safety, loved her unconditionally, and even arranged for a board-and-train program sponsored by Zoomies Funny Farm to help her find the forever family she deserved. Despite all of that, the right home never came along. Mary continued to care for Harper as if she were her own.
Then, everything changed.
In June, Mary unexpectedly passed away from a brain bleed. The person who saved Harper's life and gave her hope is no longer here to protect her.
Today, Harper is with a compassionate foster who stepped up when she had nowhere else to go. She wants Harper to have the very best life she deserves. She needs the opportunity to receive specialized training that can prepare her to become an emotional support animal and finally find the purpose and forever home she's been waiting for.
This is more than helping one dog. It's honoring Mary's legacy of compassion and ensuring the life she fought so hard to save doesn't fall through the cracks after her passing. Harper has already beaten the odds once. Please help her do it again.
Every donation, every share, and every word of encouragement gives Harper another step toward the future Mary always wanted for her.