Kane says, “Today is a good day in Retired Police and Military K9 World in Massachusetts.”
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed Bill H.2735 Dakota’s Law which establishes a fund to care for retired police and military dogs.
Before Tuesday July 28th, 2026 the families and handlers of retired working dogs paid the costs of physical and psychological care of working dogs.
Now funds have been established to financially support the medical care of Massachusetts retired working dogs.
Kane was happy to see the K9 heroes recognized and prioritized.
So exactly who is Dakota? Kane learned that Dakota was on duty and responded to the Boston Bombing in 2013. His experience left him with lasting medical and psychological needs from his service. In an article written by Samantha O’Connor and Ryan Trowbridge in Western Mass News (July 28th, 2026), it was described that Dakota’s Retirement Handler James LaMonte celebrated the signing of the bill. Kane also learned that Dakota passed at the age of 11 in 2022.
According to American Police Beat LaMonte works with dogs that present symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This includes behavioral issues and psychological issues. James LaMonte serves as the founder of the K9 PTSD Research Center and is a Massachusetts 501C3 that specializes in rehabilitation of working dogs. According to an article in Masslive, LaMonte wrote the initial proposal for the bill.
Kane learned that the Dakota’s Law legislation was introduced by Republican State Representative Steven Xiarhos, who is a retired police officer and Chief from Cape Cod.
The fund does receive state funding but it also serves as a charity that accepts donations. Kane is happy to see that the bill prioritizes police heroes as members of the family that need care. In fact, Kane believes the K9 heroes deserve to be cared for by the community that they served loyally.
As families with pets know, the cost of Veterinary bills can be a barrier to proper care. Having a fund for handlers of retired K9s to access will ensure that our Massachusetts retired K9s will receive proper care.
Sleep easy K9 Dakota, thank you for your service. Your work will live on in all the retired K9s needing medical care now and in the future.
Warmly Woof
Kane Peaslee, Columnist Valley Patriot ◊