Our Dogs
The Heart of STRATOS K9 is Our Dogs
Each of our detection dogs and handlers undergoes extensive selection, training, and evaluation. Their unique personalities and advanced skill sets make them ideal for high-stakes assignments
STRATOS K9 Dog Profiles
Stratos
K9 Stratos holds a special place in the history of Stratos K9. He was the very first puppy selected for the Stratos K9 puppy development program—the beginning of our mission to develop exceptional detection dogs from the ground up.
From his earliest days, Stratos was raised and trained with the goal of developing the skills, confidence, environmental stability, and search drive needed for real-world detection work.
Stratos represents the idea behind the program: don’t just find a finished detection dog—develop one.
He is where the Stratos K9 puppy journey began, and his legacy continues in every puppy that follows.
Elara and Natalie Morris
Elara is a 4-year-old English Cocker Spaniel and Natalie Morris’s operational explosive detection partner with Stratos K9.
Bred by a hunting breeder in Utah, Elara was selected specifically for her genetics, hunt drive, and natural ability to use her nose to locate targets. She began detection training at just 10 weeks old and has been developing her skills ever since.
When she’s not working, Elara is happiest swimming, playing with her canine friends, and generally being a dog. Her combination of natural hunting ability, serious work ethic, and enthusiasm for detection makes her an exceptional working partner.
Pyro and Tina Turnbull
Pyro is a 2-year-old English Cocker Spaniel and an operational explosive detection dog with a nose for adventure and unlimited supply of energy.
He approaches every search with enthusiasm, determination, and a level of energy that seems to have no off switch. For Pyro, going to work is basically the best game ever invented.
Whether he’s working a search, training, or just being his goofy Cocker self, Pyro is always ready to go. His endless drive, dedication, and unmistakably happy personality make him not only an impressive working dog, but a pretty awesome partner, too.
Thanos & Robby Storton
Thanos is a three-year-old Belgian Malinois who works with Robby as an operational
explosive Detection K-9 contractor for Stratos K-9. Despite his ominous name and the
breed’s high-drive reputation, Thanos has developed into a dedicated, thoughtful, and
responsive canine partner. Thanos loves
working and performs at his best in operational environments, bringing focus, discipline,
and strong search drive to every assignment.
When Thanos is not working, he enjoys training, playing with his little sisters at home,
and, of course, playing fetch at our local park.
Ziva &
Bob Earle
Bob and his Dutch Shepherd, Ziva, have been a team for over three years. Their foundation working together in a Superior County Courthouse instilled in Ziva an exceptional calm and steady demeanor. When off-duty, Ziva enjoys exploring the landscapes of Northern California – hiking trails, swimming rivers, and running the beaches of the Lost Coast.
Darcy & Heather Hayward
With six years of experience as a photojournalist in the Air Force, Heather transitioned her dedication to the canine industry. While she enjoys all aspects of canine training, she’s developed a particular expertise and enthusiasm for training and handling detection dogs. Heather’s partner of 9 months, K9 Darcy (German Shorthair Pointer), specializes in explosives and firearms detection. She demonstrates remarkable aptitude, focus, and methodical precision in her work.
Grizzly & Tanner Wiersma
Tanner Wiersma is a skilled K9 handler based in Washington, partnered with Grizzly (German Shepherd) – a high-drive explosives detection dog known for his focus, energy, and reliability. Together, they form a well-balanced team committed to public safety and operational excellence. Off duty, Grizzly enjoys hiking the Pacific Northwest trails and is always ready for a game, whether it’s with a ball or a tug. Their strong bond and shared enthusiasm carry through both in work and play.
Bantha and Ari Towns
K9 Bantha, a German Shepherd, and his handler, Ari Towns, have been working together as an IPCA-certified team for just over two years. Ari brings over five years of professional dog training experience across a wide range of disciplines—from foundational puppy development to advanced obedience and protection sports. Her background in Applied Behavior Analysis informs a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to training, allowing her to continually refine and elevate the performance of her detection dog.
Pyro & Tina Turnbull
Tina Turnbull is a highly skilled detection dog handler with specialized expertise. Tina recently teamed up with Pyro (English Cocker Spaniel), a high-drive and energetic Cocker Spaniel, marking an exciting new chapter in her professional journey. Pyro’s enthusiasm for work is matched only by his love for frisbee, making training and play equally rewarding. Driven by a love for canine capability and operational excellence, Tina brings precision, passion, and professionalism to every challenge she takes on.
Bon & Josh Crowell
Josh and his K9 partner, Bon (German Shorthair Pointer), have worked together for over three years. They bring extensive experience to the world of explosives detection and security. From high-profile personal protection assignments for celebrities and political figures to large-scale event sweeps, Josh and Bon have consistently delivered under pressure. Their skill set includes both mobile odor work and static detection, allowing them to adapt quickly to a range of environments and mission types.
Rea & Keelan Donovan
Keelan and Rea (Belgian Malinois) are a highly skilled and certified K9 team specializing in explosive detection. Their expertise has been sharpened in diverse and demanding conditions—including high humidity, extreme cold, and intense heat—ensuring dependable performance in any environment. Whether operating in quiet, crowded, or high-noise settings, Rea’s remarkable focus and reliability make her a standout in the field.