Hero Search-and-Rescue Dog “Crixus” Needs Community Support for Lifesaving Surgery Paws for a Cause: Help Heal a K9 Hero

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ATLANTA, GA – September 10, 2025 – K9 Crixus, a decorated search-and-rescue dog with the Georgia Community Emergency Response Team (GA-CERT K9) and Redemption Road K9 (RRK9), has spent his career serving Georgia communities in their darkest hours. From reuniting missing loved ones with families to uncovering homicide evidence, his work has saved lives and brought closure across the state.

Now, this hero needs help of his own. After years of service, Crixus is battling severe hip and knee damage that requires urgent orthopedic surgery. Without it, he faces chronic pain and the loss of his ability to work—or even walk comfortably.

“Time and again, Crixus has answered the call,” said Dr. Shirin ben Shahor-Shoshana, President of GA-CERT K9. “He has found the lost, located victims, and stood by first responders when they needed him most. Today, we have the chance to stand by him.”

Service & Impact Highlights

  • April 2024 – Lawrenceville, GA: Reunited a missing person with their family after locating them in dense underbrush.
  • November 2024 – Lawrenceville, GA: Discovered a shallow grave, helping detectives identify a homicide victim.
  • December 2024 – Conyers, GA: Tracked and located a suicidal subject, earning the Hometown Hero Award for lifesaving service.
  • March 2024 – Anaheim, CA: Made history as the first working K9 panelist at WonderCon, presenting with RRK9 and GA-CERT K9 on the role of canine teams in search, rescue, and justice.
  • February 2025 – Putnam County, GA: Assisted investigators in the high-profile search for two missing Atlanta educators.
  • March 2025 – Twiggs County, GA: Area-searched 50+ acres, uncovering evidence that advanced a missing child case.
  • May 2025 – Cherokee County, GA: Partnered with GEMA, the Georgia Body Recovery Team, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in a multi-agency missing person search.

How to Help

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover Crixus’s surgery and rehabilitation. Every donation goes directly toward his medical care.

Donate HERE: https://gofund.me/b6691c8eb Follow updates: Facebook & Instagram: @GACERTK9 @RedemptionRoadK9 LinkedIn: GA-CERT K9

“Every search tells a story, and Crixus has written some of the most important chapters in our community’s history,” Dr. Shahor-Shoshana added. “Now, we’re asking the community he has protected to help give him the future he deserves.”

GA-CERT K9 is a nonprofit 501(c)(3); all donations are tax-deductible and directly support Crixus’s care.

Media Contact
Company Name: GA-CERT K9
Contact Person: Attn: Dr. Shirin ben Shahor-Shoshana
Email: Send Email
Phone: (678) 609-3384
Country: United States
Website: www.gacertk9.org